Darlington’s Glade Spurge: A Rare Native Worth Protecting in Your Garden
Meet Darlington’s glade spurge (Euphorbia purpurea), a quietly beautiful native perennial that’s become something of a botanical treasure. This unassuming member of the spurge family might not win any flashy flower contests, but it’s got character—and more importantly, it needs our help.
What Makes This Plant Special?
Darlington’s glade spurge is a native forb that calls the eastern United States home. As a perennial herb without woody stems, it dies back each winter and returns faithfully each spring. Don’t let its modest appearance fool you—this plant has quietly adapted to some pretty specific growing conditions over thousands of years.
You might also see this plant listed under its former scientific names, including Euphorbia darlingtonii, but Euphorbia purpurea is the name that stuck.
Where Does It Grow Naturally?
This native beauty has a somewhat limited range, naturally occurring in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. It’s not the kind of plant you’ll stumble across in every woodland—which brings us to an important point.
A Word of Caution: This Plant Needs Protection
Here’s where things get serious. Darlington’s glade spurge has a Global Conservation Status of S3, meaning it’s considered vulnerable throughout its range. In New Jersey, it’s actually listed as endangered. This isn’t a plant to dig up from the wild or buy from questionable sources.
If you’re interested in growing this species, make sure you’re getting your plants or seeds from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their own stock. Never collect from wild populations—every plant counts when a species is this rare.
Garden Appeal and Growing Conditions
Darlington’s glade spurge won’t give you masses of colorful blooms, but it offers subtle charm with its greenish flowers and often purplish-tinged stems. It’s the kind of plant that rewards close observation and appeals to gardeners who appreciate understated beauty.
This species is quite particular about its growing conditions. It’s classified as a facultative wetland plant in most of its range, meaning it usually prefers moist to wet conditions but can tolerate some variation. Think of it as a plant that likes to keep its feet damp most of the time.
Ideal Growing Conditions:
- Moist to wet, well-draining soil
- Partial shade to full sun
- USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8
- Areas that mimic natural glade or wetland edge conditions
Perfect Gardens for This Native
Darlington’s glade spurge isn’t for every garden, and that’s okay. It’s perfect for:
- Native plant enthusiasts building authentic regional landscapes
- Rain gardens and bioswales
- Wetland restoration projects
- Conservation-minded gardeners
- Naturalistic garden designs
Caring for Your Darlington’s Glade Spurge
Once established with responsibly sourced plants, this perennial is relatively low-maintenance. Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells. It may self-seed in ideal conditions, which is wonderful for building sustainable populations.
The small flowers provide nectar for native bees and other small pollinators, making it a valuable addition to pollinator-supporting gardens despite its modest blooms.
The Bottom Line
Should you plant Darlington’s glade spurge? If you have the right growing conditions, a commitment to responsible sourcing, and an appreciation for rare native plants, absolutely. This species represents an opportunity to participate in plant conservation right in your own backyard.
Just remember: only source this plant from reputable native plant nurseries that propagate their own stock. By choosing to grow rare natives responsibly, you’re not just adding an interesting plant to your garden—you’re helping ensure that future generations will still be able to enjoy this unique piece of our natural heritage.
