Euphorbia 'Black Bird': Velvety Near-Black Foliage & Lime Green Bracts

Euphorbia 'Black Bird' (syn. 'Nothowlee') features velvety foliage that darkens to near-black in full sun, creating a striking contrast with bright lime-green bracts on red stems that form a compact vase shape. As Pat McKernan notes in Fine Gardening, it looks exceptional in perennial borders and especially striking in containers.

Important Caution

The latex sap will irritate skin—wear gloves when handling.

Culture & Propagation

Provide full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. When flowers fade, cut stems at the base to encourage new shoots (avoiding sap contact). Divide in early spring or take cuttings in spring/early summer.

Quick Reference

• Height/Spread: 1–3 ft.
• Growth Habit: Clumps
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Low
• Bloom Time: Spring
• Flower Color: Green (bracts)
• Foliage: Black, evergreen
• Uses: Beds, borders, containers, rock gardens