Paria Spurge: A Rare Desert Gem That’s Best Left in the Wild
Meet Paria spurge (Euphorbia nephradenia), one of the rarest plants you’ll probably never see in a garden center – and for very good reason. This little-known member of the spurge family is so uncommon that it’s earned itself a rather prestigious (if concerning) conservation status that should give any responsible gardener pause.
What Makes Paria Spurge Special
Paria spurge is a native annual forb, which basically means it’s a soft-stemmed, herbaceous plant that completes its entire life cycle in just one growing season. Unlike its woody cousins, this spurge lacks any significant woody tissue and keeps its growing points right at or below ground level – a smart survival strategy for harsh desert conditions.
As a member of the Euphorbia family, Paria spurge shares characteristics with other spurges, including the production of a milky latex sap that can be irritating to skin and eyes.
Where Does Paria Spurge Call Home?
This rare beauty has a very limited native range, found only in Colorado and Utah. Its restricted distribution is part of what makes it so special – and so vulnerable.
The Reality Check: Why You Shouldn’t Plant Paria Spurge
Here’s where we need to have a serious conversation. Paria spurge carries a Global Conservation Status of S2, which translates to Imperiled. This means the species is extremely rare, with typically only 6 to 20 known occurrences and possibly just 1,000 to 3,000 individual plants remaining in the wild.
What does this mean for gardeners? Simply put: this plant should stay in its natural habitat. Here’s why:
- Removing plants from wild populations could harm already fragile ecosystems
- There are no commercially available, responsibly sourced plants or seeds
- We lack sufficient knowledge about its specific growing requirements
- Conservation efforts should focus on protecting existing populations, not cultivation
Supporting Conservation Instead
Rather than trying to grow Paria spurge, consider supporting its conservation in more meaningful ways:
- Donate to organizations working on rare plant conservation in Colorado and Utah
- Choose other native Euphorbia species that are more common and available through ethical sources
- Participate in citizen science projects that help monitor rare plant populations
- Practice Leave No Trace principles when hiking in areas where rare plants might occur
Native Alternatives for Your Garden
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing native spurges, there are other Euphorbia species that are more abundant and suitable for cultivation. Research native spurges in your specific region, and purchase only from reputable native plant nurseries that grow their stock from ethically collected seeds.
The Bottom Line
Paria spurge represents something precious and irreplaceable in our natural world – a plant so rare that its very existence hangs in the balance. Sometimes the most loving thing we can do as gardeners is to admire from afar and focus our cultivation efforts on plants that can benefit from our care without risking their wild populations.
Let’s leave Paria spurge to thrive where it belongs: in its native Colorado and Utah habitats, hopefully for many generations to come.
