Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli): Leafless Green Sticks for Architecture

Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), also called milk bush or pencil euphorbia, is a striking, leafless succulent shrub with cylindrical, pencil-thick, green stems that branch in a geometric, candelabra-like pattern. Tiny leaves appear briefly on new growth but quickly drop.

Warning

The milky sap is highly irritating and toxic, causing severe skin and eye damage. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling. Keep away from children and pets.

Culture

Full sun; extremely well-drained soil. Water very sparingly. Drought-tolerant. Can grow 15–30 feet in ground in frost-free zones; smaller in containers. Minimum temperature 50°F.

Taxonomy

• Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Genus: Euphorbia
• Species: tirucalli
• Synonyms: Euphorbia rhipsaloides, Euphorbia viminalis