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Euphorbia tithymaloides

Previously known as:

  • Pedilanthus tithymaloides
Phonetic Spelling
yoo-FOR-bee-uh tith-ee-mal-OY-deez
This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

A succulent shrub with milky juice; stems green, often zig-zag; leaves alternate, simple, pointed, green or white-edged; flowers red and clustered at the ends of branches; fruit a capsule

 

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Houseplants, Succulents, and Cacti", a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Euphorbia.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#shrub#red flowers#milky sap
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#shrub#red flowers#milky sap
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Euphorbia
    Species:
    tithymaloides
    Family:
    Euphorbiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Tropical America
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Poisonous
    Shrub
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Description:
    Red flowers clustered at the ends of the branches.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    White
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Leaves alternate, simple, pointed, green or white-edged.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Zig Zags
    Stem Leaf Scar Shape:
    Round
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Houseplants
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Medium
    Poison Symptoms:
    Irritation of the mouth and throat, vomiting and diarrhea when ingested; skin irritation, rash, and blistering and eye irritation upon contact.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Diterpene esters
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Sap/Juice