waiu-atua

Euphorbia glauca | waiu-atua, shore spurge, sea spurge, sand milkweed

 

A rare and ecologically important native perennial, forming a hardy, creeping plant with foliage ranging from pastel green to vivid blue-grey, complemented by reddish stems. From September to March, it produces attractive red to pink flowers. Ideal for dry, sunny sites, it thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soils, making it excellent for coastal conditions due to its salt and drought tolerance, and requires minimal maintenance once established. This striking plant is perfect for rock gardens, coastal plantings, and mixed borders.

coastal scrub

dunes

steep slope

dry

free draining

well drained

moist

full sun

partial shade

height | 1m

width | 2m

flowering |  September to March (sporadic flowering throughout the year can occur)

fruiting |  December to July

Waiu-atua is a rare native in the wild but there's an invasive look-alike, Euphorbia paralias, posing a serious threat to our coastline. The invasive sea spurge, can displace native plants and alter natural sand patterns, causing significant environmental damage. You can tell them apart because our native shore spurge has reddish flowers and much larger leaves (30-80mm long). Another native that looks similar is the New Zealand linen flax (Linum monogynum), but it lacks the invasive species' reddish stem base and milky sap when broken.