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Devil's-backbone Euphorbia tithymaloides

Previously known as:

  • Pedilanthus tithymaloides
Phonetic Spelling
yoo-FOR-bee-uh tith-ee-mal-OY-deez
This plant has low 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#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#poisonous#houseplant#shrub#red flowers#milky sap#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for children
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Euphorbia
    Species:
    tithymaloides
    Family:
    Euphorbiaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Tropical America
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    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
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    The milky white latex sap found in all plant parts can cause mild to severe contact dermatitis. If contact with the eyes occurs the sap can cause temporary to permanent damage to the cornea. If eaten, blistering can occur on lips and oral mucosa. Avoid ingesting plant parts and keep plants away from pets and children.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Diterpene esters
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Sap/Juice