Euphorbias are members of one of the largest plant families; the Euphorbiaceae. This family contains 300 genera and over 5000 species, around 7500 varieties. The Euphorbia species alone includes about 2000 varieties; annuals, biennials, perennials, grasses, shrubs and trees. Some of these have succulent type leaves, some are deciduous, others evergreen; some are extremely hardy whilst others are tropical and very tender. In fact the most interesting thing about Euphorbias is the amazing range of plant forms; they display, especially in terms of size, conditions in which they grow tolerance for heat and water needs and the varying lengths of time for which any individual plant can live. Most Euphorbias contain a milky liquid but sometimes this can be colourless.

Euphorbia rigida (Euphorbia biglandulosa) is an evergreen euphorbia, belongs to Euphorbiaceae family. It is an erect, then spreading, perennial. Gopher Plant occurs widely in Turkey and is a weed of gardens and uncultivated areas. It is naturally found throughout the Mediterranean basin, Caucasus and the Middle East.

The narrow, pointed, blue-green, sharp leaves are fleshy, and arranged spirally. It has a lax habit with several stems up to 70 cm long and 90 cm spread. Bright yellow flowers appear in small clusters at the tips of the shoots in late winter and spring. The flower buds are pink opening to yellow. After blooming, the main stems die back and new growth appears from the centre of the plant.

Euphorbia rigida, performs best in full sun to partial shade. While drought-resistant, it prefers supplemental irrigation during the warm weather. It grows in any soil as long as it is well-draining. The plant blooms, more reliably in poor soil.

The Gopher Plant is extremely hardy to zero degrees withstands -15˚C. It is a moderate to fast grower. Propagation may be done by dividing the root ball, from stem cuttings or from the seeds.

All parts of the Euphorbia rigida may cause severe discomfort if eaten, and the milky sap can irritate skin as well. After it flowers, the old, dry stems and blooms need to be heavily pruned.

Use in Landscape: Gopher Plant is one of the plants to be chosen for dry gardens. It suits rock garden combinations. Late winter to early spring bloomer adds a great deal of accent to the landscape and is easy to grow.

Euphorbia rigida is used in perennial gardens and low planters or as a border or background planting Also it works well in containers as a specimen or a low foundation plant in combination with other desert natives.