Myrtle spurge comes from rocky and grassy slopes across southern Europe and into northern Iran, and its constitution reflects those origins completely. The trailing stems, reaching up to 2 feet long, are densely set with fleshy, spirally arranged blue-gray leaves that retain their glaucous waxy quality through the season. In spring, brassy yellow bracts surround small greenish-yellow flowers at the stem tips, the contrast between flower color and foliage color one of its more appealing moments.

It grows 4 to 8 inches tall and suits rock gardens, dry borders, wall drapes, and containers in full sun with sharp drainage. Cold hardiness runs to zone 4, though hard winds can scorch the foliage over winter. The plant self-seeds vigorously and can project seeds up to 15 feet, which is entertaining in principle and problematic in practice; removing spent flowers promptly is genuinely important. In California, Colorado, Oregon, Utah, and Washington it is classified as a noxious weed and should not be planted. The milky sap is toxic and a reliable skin and eye irritant; gloves are required.