Cactus Spine Injury: Swelling, Tetanus Risk, and Plant ID

Not Poisonous

Cactus spines cause mechanical injury + bacteria introduction. Swelling/pain = normal puncture response.

Get booster if >10 years. Soil-borne Clostridium tetani on spines is real risk.

Email photo to gregandkat@msn.com for identification. Tall, large needles = possibly Trichocereus, Cereus, or Euphorbia (if milky sap).

Not a doctor. Seek medical attention for deep punctures, joint proximity, or infection signs.

Cactus: Rescuing a Stress-Damaged Columnar Cactus After Relocation; Follow-Up Care for a Toppled Columnar Cactus: Stabilization and Recovery; Dropped Cactus Damage Control: Pruning and Spine Removal Techniques; Identifying a Mystery Columnar Cactus; Fixing Severe Etiolation on a Tall Indoor Cactus ("Cactus Jack"); Trimming 8-10 ft Cacti Growing Through Patio Screen: Need ID First; 20-Foot Cactus in New Hampshire: Won't Survive Freeze, Must Cut or Heat; Saving Mother's Crown of Thorns and Fallen Tall Cactus: Cuttings and Towel Trick; Wedding Symbol Cactus Rotting at Base: Overwatering Rescue; Propagating Mammillaria Cactus Offsets

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