Types Of Euphorbia: Varieties, ID, And Photos

Euphorbia is a genus of about 2,000 species of flowering plants in the spurge family Euphorbiaceae, making it one of the largest genera currently in existence. Herbs, shrubs, trees, this genus has them all. Euphorbias can be annual, biennial, or perennial, and with enough variance between species that it’s almost impossible to associate a specific plant to the genus with physical characteristics alone.

About Euphorbia

Euphorbias are noted for their milky white sap, which is present in all types of Euphorbia. It is highly poisonous and can cause skin irritation on contact.

They are found in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Many Euphorbias are especially well-known for their ornamental value, and many are cultivated as garden ornamentals. Some species have also been used in traditional medicine.

Euphorbias are present in all continents except Antarctica. The greatest diversity of species is found in Africa, followed by South America and Asia. Europe and North America have a few native species each, but the majority of Euphorbias in these regions are introduced species.

Taxonomy

The Euphorbia genus is one of the largest genera in the plant kingdom. The genus has been divided and classified into subgenera, sections, and series, but no overall natural classification of Euphorbia has yet been generally accepted by taxonomists.

A number of genera under the subtribe Euphorbiinae were subsumed into Euphorbia. Now, the entire subtribe consists only of Euphorbia species. Many genera that were previously considered only to be tangentially related to Euphorbia are now considered part of it due to recent studies.

Etymology

The genus name Euphorbia is a reference to a famous Greek physician. It was so named by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.

The common English name “spurge” comes from the Middle English/Old French espurge (“to purge”) due to the plant’s widespread use as a laxative.

Types of Euphorbia Succulents

Euphorbia is an immensely large and diverse genus of plants, with species that vary widely in appearance and habitat. Almost half of all Euphorbias are succulent plants (around 45%). This figure varies depending on who you ask, but it is generally accepted that this figure doesn’t exceed 50%.

Succulence is a study of degrees. One plant can be ‘more’ succulent than another, with both of them falling under the succulent category. About 40 percent of Euphorbias are classified as ‘true succulents,’ i.e., plants that sit comfortably in the middle of the aforementioned spectrum. Other types of Euphorbia, around 150-200 species, are considered xerophytic instead of true succulents.

Are Euphorbias Cacti?

No, Euphorbias are not cacti. Cacti belong to the family Cactaceae and Euphorbias to the family Euphorbiaceae. Historically, they have been often confused and misidentified as cacti, but this has never been the case.

The succulent Euphorbias that fall under the category ‘stem succulents’ are the main plants associated with this phenomenon. Confusing succulents with cacti is not a rare occurrence, especially among amateurs, but these succulent Euphorbias are notoriously misidentified with startling frequency.

What Is Euphorbia Used For?

Euphorbia plant uses are innumerable, and it’s almost impossible to list them all here. We’ve covered most of the more notable uses, but there are quite a few more.

Traditional Medicine

Many Euphorbias have been used in traditional medicine. The milky sap of some species is known to be a strong purgative (a substance that causes evacuation of the bowels). The common name “spurge” is in reference to this historic treatment method, as we’ve already discussed in the etymology section.

There are around 2000 Euphorbias, and a lot of them are used in medicine in some capacity or another. Frankly, they are too many to list and beyond the scope of this article. We’ll mention some notable examples and what they treat below.

Euphorbia hirta is the most notable example of Euphorbia used in medicine. Other types of Euphorbia are also used in medicine, but none have as many different medicinal properties and widespread use as E. hirta; a true miracle of nature.

It has most commonly been used in India as an end-all be-all treatment for many diseases. Modern medicine doesn’t take the plant’s importance to quite that level, but its ability to resolve a variety of common ailments is undeniable. Stomach issues, asthma, skin ailments, cancer, and malaria are just some of the ailments people have been treating with E. hirta for centuries.

Other than India, where it is endemic, locals in the surrounding regions have also used E. hirta for medicinal purposes. It is used as a herbal tea meant to combat fevers in the Philippines.

• Euphorbia tirucalli is used to treat leprosy, biliousness, leucorrhea, cancer, rheumatism, asthma, skin conditiotns, bone fractures, and more. 

• E. thymifolia and E. maculata are used to treat hemoptysis, hematuria, hemafecia, hematemesis, epistaxis, and vaginal bleeding.

• Euphorbia fusiformis has been scientifically proven to display antibacterial activity.

• Euphorbia officinarum displays antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Ornamental Houseplants

Euphorbia is a large and varied genus, and as such, there are many different types that make for good houseplants. Euphorbias come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors and with all kinds of interesting features.

One of the most popular types of Euphorbia to keep as a houseplant is Euphorbia trigona, also known as the African Milk Tree. It is a low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for plant that can grow quite large if given the proper treatment, but most gardeners like these Euphorbias are small and manageable.

Other notable houseplant varieties include Euphorbia pulcherrima, better known as the Poinsettia, which is incredibly popular as a Christmas season houseplant.

Euphorbia obesa is also a fan favorite if you’re looking for something particularly small. Specimens of these species rarely reach over 4 inches in height and are perfectly happy to remain in small pots on desktops or windowsills.

Candelilla Wax Production

Candelilla Wax is a type of wax extracted from the stems of specific types of Euphorbia (Euphorbia cerifera and Euphorbia antisyphilitica).

It is a large industry in northern Mexico, where these Euphorbias are native. Some other types of Euphorbia are also known to produce wax but none on as large a scale as these two.

Its mainly used in the production of cosmetics, but it can also be used to make things like polish, cleaning products, and waterproofing materials. Gum manufacturers sometimes use this wax as a binding agent.

Energy Resource

Euphorbia lathyris is a type of spurge that has been used as an energy resource. There is even some research to show that it can be used as an energy crop in arid regions, but the results are inconclusive.

Rubber/Glue Production

The latex produced by some Euphorbias can be used to make rubber and/or glue. The most notable example is Euphorbia tirucalli, but other types of Euphorbias, e.g., Euphorbia abyssinica, have also been used for this purpose.

Pesticide

The latex of some Euphorbias can be used as an insecticide or pesticide. It’s not the most cost-efficient method, but it is a natural way to get rid of pests.

Hedge Plants

Euphorbias can also be used in forestry. They can be used as hedges, windbreaks, and living fences. In their natural habitat, locals often use specific types of large Euphorbias as hedges.

How to Identify a Euphorbia Species?

The prospect of identifying a Euphorbia seems daunting if you’re unfamiliar with the genus. After all, the genus contains around 2000 individual species with drastically different growth patterns. Some Euphorbias are tiny succulents, others are medium-sized shrubs, and some are even trees, albeit small ones.

However, two integral features present in all Euphorbias make them easy to identify, even when it might not seem to be the case. They are:

1. Milky White Sap

The first is that they all produce a milky white latex sap when cut or damaged in some way. This latex is poisonous and can cause skin irritation, so it’s best to avoid contact with it. Since all Euphorbias are known for having this sap, all you have to do to identify a species as being a part of the Euphorbia genus or not is simply make a small cut and see if it bleeds sap.

Take note that this sap is highly toxic and even fatally poisonous in some rare cases. Be very careful and handle all types of Euphorbia with skin and eye protection.

2. Barebones Flowers

The second identifying feature is the type of flower they have. All Euphorbias have flowers, but they don’t look like the type of flower you would normally think of. Euphorbias are home to very specific-looking flowers called a cyathium. Species of other genera have cyathia flowers, but if a plant bleeds white sap and has cyathium, chances are, it’s a Euphorbia plant.

To identify a cyathium, check the head of the flower. These flowers don’t have petals or sepals but are often surrounded by showy bracts, which are only meant for attracting pollinators. In male flowers, the stamens protrude outwards, as opposed to being hidden inside a flower. And in female flowers, the pistils are also exposed.

While identifying the flowers might require some degree of botanical knowledge, the milky sap is immediately apparent to even laymen. Identifying Euphorbias isn’t hard; you just have to know what to look for.

3. Short-lived Leaves

Identifying a Euphorbia is also made easier by the fact that most of them are succulents. This means they have thick, fleshy plant parts which store water.

However, all succulent Euphorbias have one thing in common; their leaves. Succulent Euphorbias’ leaves have a tendency to fall off quickly after emerging. They have a very short life and don’t last long enough to be appreciated.

So, if you’re dealing with a succulent whose leaves are not falling off quickly, chances are, it’s not a Euphorbia.

Euphorbia Photo Gallery

How To Care For Euphorbia Plants?

The best way to care for Euphorbia plants is to mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible. Most of them come from arid, dry regions with little rainfall and lots of sun.

Most Euphorbias are winter dormant, so it’s best to plant in spring and give the plants plenty of time to get some growth in before the dormancy season arrives.

In general, these are easy to care for succulents that don’t require the gardener to bend over backward to accommodate them.

Since this genus is so diverse, what holds true for one plant may not hold true for others. Each Euphorbia has slightly different needs. The following is not some general advice on how to care for a typical Euphorbia; outliers are common and expected. Do some research on your specific species before committing to a care routine.

Light:

Euphorbias are sun-loving plants that do best in bright, direct sunlight. If you regularly experience scorching hot summers, some afternoon shade might be necessary to prevent the plant from getting sunburned.

In general, the more light your Euphorbia gets, the better it will look. These plants tend to stretch and become leggy if they don’t get enough light. Pick a relatively sunny spot in your house if you’re planning on keeping your Euphorbia species as potted plants.

Maintaining a balance between too much and too little is key to providing the best conditions for your plants. This can either be bright light directly from the sun or indirect light from a filtered window or artificial sources.

Most Euphorbias require some amount of light to thrive, but some of them tend to get scorched in direct sunlight. But, these are not deep shade plants by any stretch of the imagination.

Soil:

Euphorbias are not particularly fussy when it comes to the soil, but they do prefer a lean mix that doesn’t hold onto moisture for too long. Most commercially available succulent mixes will do just fine if you’re dealing with a succulent Euphorbia. And a standard mix for all the rest. Nutrient poor soil is not a problem for most types of Euphorbia.

If you’re unsure whether or not your potting mix is well-draining, it’s always better to be cautious and add some extra drainage material to the pot.

Pumice, perlite, and gravel are all good materials to use for this purpose. Just make sure whatever you use doesn’t retain water.

Water:

Euphorbias are very drought tolerant plants that can go long periods without water. They are, however, susceptible to common succulent problems that occur from overwatering.

The key to watering Euphorbia is to let the soil dry out completely between watering. They’re very similar to most succulents in that regard. If you’ve previously cared for a cactus or a succulent, then treat these plants similarly as they have the same water needs.

When watering, make sure your potting mix is draining quickly; otherwise, you might end up with a deadly case of root rot. After watering once, wait at least a week before the next session.

Check the soil moisture levels by digging a finger through the soil and checking if it comes out wet or dry. If it’s dry, wait for another couple of days before checking again. Only water when the finger comes back dry.

In the winter, when the plant is dormant, you can cut back on watering even further. If you’re not sure whether or not your plant needs water, it’s always better to wait a day or two. It’s much harder to recover from overwatering than it is to do so by underwatering.

Temperature:

Most Euphorbias prefer warm conditions and will do best in temperatures that range from 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate higher temperatures but don’t do well in extreme heat.

If you’re keeping your plant outdoors, make sure it’s in a spot where it won’t experience any direct sunlight during the hotter parts of the day. A slightly shady spot is ideal.

Frost tolerance varies drastically between species, with each specific species’ origin defining this parameter. As you might imagine, a plant originating from the arid deserts of Africa and another from the frigid mountains of the Himalayas won’t have the same tolerance for cold.

Humidity:

Humidity is also a variable factor when it comes to Euphorbia care. Maintain average room humidity, and you should be fine for most types of Euphorbias. Good ventilation goes a long way.

Fertilizer:

Euphorbias are not heavy feeders and don’t need a lot of fertilizer to stay healthy and happy. But, some fertilizer at the start of the season seems to do most of them a world of good.

If you want to give your plant a little boost, use a liquid fertilizer or a standard houseplant fertilizer that’s been diluted by half. Apply it once a month at most.

It’s always better to under-fertilize than overdo it, as too much fertilizer can burn the roots and damage the plant beyond repair.

How to Propagate Euphorbias

Euphorbias can be propagated from seeds and cuttings. The easiest and most common method is propagation from cuttings. It’s also the quickest way to get more plants.

Steps to Propagate from Cuttings:

1. Start by taking a cutting from the main plant. It’s best to use a sharp knife or gardening shears for this purpose. Make sure the cutting you take has at least one leaf or stem node.
2. The cutting can be any size, but it’s best to use one that’s around 4 inches long. Once you have your cutting, allow the cut wound to callous over for a day or two before proceeding to the next step.
3. After the wound has callused over, it’s time to prepare your potting mix. As with most succulents, a well-draining mix is essential. You can either make your own or buy a commercial cactus mix from your local nursery.
4. Once you have your potting mix ready, wet it slightly and then dip the bottom of the cutting in some rooting hormone. This step is optional, but it will help speed up the rooting process.
5. After dipping the cutting in rooting hormone, plant it in the potting mix, making sure that the cut wound is buried. Don’t water the plant immediately as this can cause rot. Wait a week or so before watering for the first time.
6. Place your potted plant in a spot where it will receive bright indirect sunlight and wait for new growth. This can take anywhere from one month to a couple of months.

Pests and Diseases

Euphorbias are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they’re not entirely immune. The most common pests that attack these plants are mealybugs and spider mites.

Mealybugs are small white insects that feed on plant sap. They’re easy to spot and can do a lot of damage if left unchecked. If you see mealybugs on your plant, the best course of action is to remove them by hand.

Spider mites are tiny spider-like creatures that also feed on plant sap. They’re not as easy to spot as mealybugs, but they can be just as damaging. The easiest, most convenient way to get rid of spider mites is to spray them with water or an insecticidal soap solution.

Are Euphorbia Plants Toxic?

All Euphorbia plants contain a highly toxic, milky sap or latex that secretes when the plant is injured. This sap contains some compounds that are essential components of latex. This sap is considered an irritant in most cases and very harmful in others. Always wear protection when handling Euphorbias for safety purposes.

Keep the sap away from any and all orifices and wash it off immediately if it comes in contact with skin. Soap works where water doesn’t. If your home has pets or small children, consider moving your Euphorbias to inaccessible places where they won’t come into contact with the plant.

The sap can cause skin irritation in some people and may be fatal if ingested. It can also be very harmful to animals, especially cats and dogs. If your pet comes into contact with the sap, it is important to seek professional help immediately.

Popular Euphorbia Types For Indoors

Euphorbia milii (Crown of Thorns)

The Euphorbia milii is a succulent that’s native to Madagascar. It’s also known as the Crown of Thorns, a reference to the biblical story in which Jesus was crucified with thorns on his head.

Euphorbia milii is called Crown of Thorns because of its thorns, which are sharp and plentiful. They grow all over the stems and branches, making the plant somewhat difficult to handle. The thorns also serve as a defense against predators looking for an easy meal.

The Euphorbia milii is a beautiful plant that’s perfect for anyone looking to add some color to their succulent collection. It’s a popular houseplant that can be found in many homes around the world.

A common misconception when it comes to the Crown of Thorns plant is that the flowers are red; they’re not. In fact, the showy red petals that are misconstrued as flowers are actually the bracts surrounding the tiny, yellow flowers within. These bracts are long-lasting and bring tons of interest to this plant.

• Mature Size: 3-6 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
• Light: Full sun
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia)

The Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) is a popular Christmas plant, especially in the United States. It’s named after Joel Roberts Poinsett, an American diplomat who brought the plant back from Mexico in 1828.

For a long time now, Poinsettias have been synonymous with Christmas decorations, particularly in the US. When it comes to sheer volume alone, no other Euphorbia comes close to the value of Poinsettias as ornamental houseplants, especially during the holiday season.

Interested in Poinsettias this Holiday Season? Head over to our care guide to learn all of its basic care needs.

Ornamental Poinsettias tend to remain small and manageable. But if given enough space and some care, they can get staggeringly large, reaching tree-like heights in the right circumstances.

If you purchased a Poinsettia in the US, chances are it’s been sold to you by the Ecke Family. These Poinsettias are not true specimens, but rather two different types of Euphorbia pulcherrima grafted together. The result is an attractive bush-like appearance that’s better suited for display purposes.

The Poinsettia is easily recognizable by its colorful bracts. These are actually modified leaves, and they come in colors like red, pink, and white. The true flowers are small and yellowish-green, and they’re located in the center of the bracts.

All parts of Euphorbia pulcherrima are poisonous if ingested, so keep it away from pets and small children who might be tempted by the colorful leaves. 

• Mature Size: 2-10 ft. tall, 2-7 ft. wide
• Light: Part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 40°F (4°C)

Euphorbia antiquorum (Antique Spurge)

Euphorbia antiquorum, more commonly known as Antique Spurge, is a succulent native to many parts of India and the surrounding regions. It is a cactus-like Euphorbia, with thick, succulent stems that are distinctly ribbed. The branching stems grow upwards, just like a normal cactus.

The leaves of Euphorbia antiquorum are small and inconspicuous. They’re located along the margins of the stems and are a light green color. As the plant ages, clusters of small, yellow flowers emerge from modified leaves. They add a burst of color to the otherwise dull plant.

There is little demand for Euphorbia antiquorum in cultivation as it’s an overall dull-looking plant with little going for it visually.

• Mature Size: 5-23 ft. tall, 2-7 ft. wide
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Euphorbia ammak (Candelabra Spurge)

Euphorbia ammak, or Candelabra Spurge, is a euphorbia species native to the Arabian Peninsula. It’s an extremely large type of Euphorbia that can grow up to 32 feet (10 meters) tall in the right conditions.

True to its name, the Euphorbia ammak grows like a massive Candelabra tree. Sort of like Euphorbia candelabrum, but with fewer branches. It has thick and fleshy, cactus-like stems that are deeply ribbed. The stems are a soft yellow-green color that stands out without being obnoxious.

The variegated variety of these Euphorbia types is of particular note as its often grown as the main feature of desert gardens.

Euphorbia ammak stems’ ribs are covered with dark brown spines that line the ribs from beginning to end.

• Mature Size: 15-20 ft. tall, 6-8 ft. wide
• Light: Full sun to light shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Euphorbia albomarginata (Rattlesnake Weed)

Euphorbia albomarginata, often called Rattlesnake Weed, is a herbaceous perennial native to the southwestern United States, mainly the Santa Monica Mountains. It was previously a part of the Chamaesyce genus, which was later merged into Euphorbias.

The Rattlesnake Weed is a low-growing plant that reaches just about half an inch in height. It has a spreading habit, making it an excellent ground cover for dry, sunny areas. The leaves are green are stay hugging the ground for most of their life. They aren’t arranged in a set pattern but emerge from the reddish stems haphazardly.

In early summer, small white flowers with a purple center appear between clumps of leaves. They contrast beautifully with the dusty green leaves. The flowers give way to small, round fruits that contain the seeds of the plant.

• Mature Size: 0-1 in. inches tall, 2-3 ft. wide
• Light: Full sun to light shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Euphorbia antisyphilitica (Candelilla)

Euphorbia antisyphilitica, also known as Candelilla, is a euphorbia species native to Mexico as well as Texas and New Mexico in the United States. It’s a popular plant in the horticultural trade and has been used for centuries by the indigenous people of Mexico to make wax.

Euphorbia antisyphilitica grows like a not so spiny succulent shrub with clusters of leafless stems that are green or reddish in color. The stems are covered in a waxy coating that helps the plant retain water and prevent transpiration.

Candelilla stems are densely packed together in untidy-looking clumps of green vegetation. They’re pencil-like and relatively thin, at least when compared to their overall size.

The flowers are small and insignificant, but their white color contrasts nicely with the uniform green of the stems. They appear periodically along the length of the stem, on the nodes.

• Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 28°F (-2°C)

Euphorbia caducifolia (Leafless Milk Hedge)

Euphorbia caducifolia, commonly called Leafless Milk Hedge, is a large succulent that’s perfect for growing in hot, dry climates. It originates from India and Pakistan (specifically the desert regions) and has adapted to store water in its leaves to survive in harsh conditions.

It’s a relatively easy-going plant that will grow just about anywhere you put it. Despite that, it’s relatively rare in cultivation. It has a large cactus-like growth pattern with ribbed stems.

It’s quite similar to the Euphorbia nivulia, a.k.a the Leafy Milk Hedge. But unlike the Leafy Milk Hedge, Euphorbia caducifolia is largely leafless, hence the name.

Flowers are borne on the top portions of the stems and appear in clusters. When the blooming seasons roll around, all the green stems become dotted with these yellow-brown clusters.

• Mature Size: 10 ft. tall, 33 ft. wide
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Euphorbia caput-medusae (Medusa’s head)

Euphorbia caput-medusae is a succulent euphorbia native to South Africa. The name alludes to the Greek mythological character Medusa, whose hair was made of snakes instead of regular strands. This plant’s stems resemble those snake-like hair strands, which is where the name comes from.

Euphorbia caput-medusae grows from a central caudex that is only raised slightly above the ground. Many stems emerge from this central caudex and spread outward. The stems are covered with small protrusions, resulting in a very rough-looking surface.

The branches end in a sort of knob-like end. The tips of these knobs support the fleshy, green leaves. Flowers appear on small stalks that emerge from these knobs. They’re small and white in color.

• Mature Size: 3 ft. diameter
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

Euphorbia cotinifolia (Caribbean Cooper Plant)

Euphorbia cotinifolia, more commonly known as the Caribbean Copper Plant, is a flowering Euphorbia native to Mexico and South America.

Euphorbia cotinifolia gets its common name from the color of its leaves, which turn a deep copper hue as they mature. The plant’s stems are also red or purple, adding to the overall effect.

Small, white flowers appear in the spring and summer. They stand out quite spectacularly against the red and purple backdrop of the rest of the plant.

These types of Euphorbia are also called the Smoke Tree Spruge because of their smoky-looking leaves, which are a defining characteristic of the Cotinus genus.

When cultivating this plant, you have the option to either grow them as a tree (which reaches around 30 feet of height when fully grown) or as a shrub. As a shrub, these Euphorbias can reach up to 15 feet (4.6 m) in height, although it’s more likely to top out at around 6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) if you keep it indoors and in a pot.

• Mature Size: 15 ft. tall (as a shrub), 30 ft. tall (as a tree)
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 20°F (-6.7°C)

Euphorbia cyparissias (Cypress Spurge)

Cypress Spurge (Euphorbia cyparissias) is a small, slow-growing euphorbia that is perfect for rock gardens and alpine gardens. It is native to some regions of Europe. From afar, it looks exactly like a miniature Cypress tree just past maturity, hence the common name.

The leaves are deep green and arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem. When Euphorbia cyparissias blooms, yellow flowers appear in early spring. Although they’re often referred to as such, the yellow ‘flowers’ are not actually flowers but rather the bracts surrounding the actual flowers.

In the spring, these yellow flowers appear on the tips of the stems. As they mature, the bracts turn from a bright yellow to a dull orange and sometimes red. These are followed by small fruits that explode into seeds that spread in a 5-meter radius around the main Cypress Spurge.

This behavior makes it easy for these plants to completely take over a space if given enough time. That’s why they are considered noxious weeds in some parts. 

• Mature Size: 6-12 inches tall, 12-18 inches wide
• Light: Full sun
• Frost Hardiness: -20°F (-28°C)

Euphorbia dendroides (Tree Spurge)

The Euphorbia dendroides is a spurge that’s native to Northern Africa, Turkey, and parts of Europe. It gets its common name from its tree-like growth habit. It can grow quite large given enough space, but in pots or containers, it remains small and manageable.

Euphorbia dendroides leaves are oblong and arranged in pairs along the red stems. From spring to summer, the stems exhibit a gorgeous red coloration that fades to dark red or even brown as the winter months approach. The stems contrast quite nicely with the greens of the leaves.

The flowers are small and inconspicuous, but they’re surrounded by large, showy yellow bracts. When in full bloom, a canopy of yellow flowers rises above the foliage covering it entirely. It’s a treat to witness.

These Euphorbias are an excellent choice for specimen plants or as part of an informal hedge or screen. It can also be grown in containers, but it’s best grown outdoors as a garden feature.

• Mature Size: 6 ft. tall, 6 ft. wide
• Light: Full sun
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Euphorbia horrida (African Milk Barrel)

The African Milk Barrel (Euphorbia horrida) is a succulent native to Africa. It’s called Milk Barrel because the overall shape of the succulent heavily resembles the infamous group of cacti called Barrel Cacti. Note that these are types of Euphorbia succulents, which are emphatically not related to the cactus, despite any similarities in appearance.

The stem is thick and barrel-shaped, heavily ribbed along its length. It’s colored a dull green with spines that can be quite sharp, so handle with care. These spines are actually old flower stalks or inflorescences that have dried and become pointy instead of falling off.

The flowers of Euphorbia horrida are small and insignificant. They’re pale green and grow one at a time near the stem tips.

• Mature Size: 5 ft. tall, 6 inches wide
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 25°F (-3.9°C)

Euphorbia ingens (Candelabra Tree)

The Euphorbia ingens is a tree-like euphorbia from South Africa. It can grow up to 40 feet tall and has long thin branches.

The stems are heavily ribbed and lined with sharp spines along their length. Euphorbia ingens starts off with a thick trunk that begins to aggressively branch at a certain height. As more and more stems appear, they curve upwards until they’re going exactly vertically. The result is a Candelabra shape that earned the plant its common name.

The overall effect looks exactly like a cactus. It’s no wonder many types of Euphorbia are often confused with cacti.

The Candelabra Tree is one of the most popular euphorbias due to its unique shape and size. It’s often used as a landscape plant in warm climates. Indoor cultivation is rare but not unheard of.

• Mature Size: 40 ft. tall
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Euphorbia lactea (Mottled Spurge)

The Euphorbia lactea is a succulent that is native to India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. The Euphorbia lactea is also known as the Mottled Spurge, Dragon Bones Tree, or Milk Hedge. It is quite popular as an indoor houseplant where it grows to be about 1-2 feet high. In its natural habitat, it grows to about 15 feet high as a small tree.

Euphorbia lactea is called Mottled Spurge because of its variegated stems, which are green with a thick white stripe running through the center. The stems are largely leafless that can be pruned to grow completely vertically indoors.

Euphorbia lactea flowers appear at the apex of each stem in the flowering season. Flowers are large and showy, creamy white with a slight tinge of pink along the frills. Although the flowers are gorgeous, they rarely appear on plants in cultivation unless very specific conditions are met.

Crested Euphorbia lactea is a very popular variety with unique, gorgeous leaves.

• Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall (indoors)
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Euphorbia lathyris (Caper Spurge)

Euphorbia lathyris, also known as the Caper Spurge or Mole Spurge, is a weedy succulent plant that is native to Pakistan and China, and some parts of central Asia. It has been introduced to North America and Australia, where it is considered an invasive weed.

It blooms in early summer and continues until fall. The stems are green when they first appear but turn brown as the plant matures. Each stem is topped with a terminal flower head.

The lanceolate leaves are arranged in alternate patterns along the thin, erect stem. They’re glossy green with yellow stripes running along their length. They’re arranged in pairs along the stems and have smooth margins. The arrangement of the Euphorbia lathyris leaves is quite similar to that of the Propeller Plant (Crassula falcata), but the two are unrelated.

Euphorbia lathyris blooms in early summer and continues until fall. As flowers mature into fruits, they burst into a shower of seeds that spread around the plant and continue their culture in the surrounding soil.

• Mature Size: 1-3 ft. diameter
• Light: Full sun or part shade
• Frost Hardiness: −60°F (−51.1°C) [Practically unkillable]

Euphorbia obesa (Baseball Plant)

Euphorbia obesa, commonly known as the Baseball Plant, is a small, round succulent native to South Africa. It’s easily recognizable, thanks to its unique shape. The plant resembles a baseball or a tennis ball, hence its common name.

Euphorbia obesa only has a solitary, rounded stem that becomes more and more spherical as it ages. It has thin ribs running along the sides of the stem that look just like the stitching one would see on a baseball.

Learn everything you need to know about caring for Baseball Cacti in our in-depth care guide

The surface is covered in small bumps and ridges that give it a textured look. The color of Euphorbia obesa can be green, gray, or brown, with some specimens having red or pink hues.

The flowers of Euphorbia obesa are small and inconspicuous. They appear on the top of the plant and are typically pink or yellow in color.

• Mature Size: 8 in. diameter
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Euphorbia tirucalli (Fire Sticks / Pencil Tree)

Euphorbia tirucalli is a type of succulent native to Africa. It’s also known as the Fire Sticks, Pencil Tree, or Milk Bush. It gets its common name from its pencil-thin stems with brilliantly bright colors.

This succulent bush grows mostly vertically and adds incredible value in any garden. The colorful stems look like underwater corals, making this plant perfect for seaside-themed gardens.

The stems are the main attractions of these plants, and potential gardeners need to take their unique coloration into account. Mixing and matching different color tones is essential to get the most value out of these ornamental houseplants.

The stems of Euphorbia tirucalli are golden yellow when they’re young but turn red in the winter and a pale yellow in the summer. They also change colors as they mature, but only slightly.

• Mature Size: 16-30 ft. tall
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Tree)

The Euphorbia trigona, also known as the African Milk Tree, is a species of Euphorbia that originates from Central Africa. It’s a succulent that’s quite popular as a houseplant due to its easy care requirements and interesting appearance.

The African Milk Tree gets its name from the milky sap that it exudes when its leaves are damaged (and, of course, because of its place of origin). This sap is poisonous and can cause skin irritation, so it’s best to handle it with gloves.

Euphorbia trigona grows in the form of a small tree or succulent shrub and can reach up to 9 feet in height. It has upright, triangular stems that appear cactus-like at first glance.

White variegation along the length of the stem is common, and some varieties and cultivars even have red or purple colored leaves. Euphorbia trigona are highly sought-after indoor houseplants as they require little care to thrive.

• Mature Size: 6-9 ft. tall, 1-2 ft. wide
• Light: Dappled sunlight or part shade
• Frost Hardiness: 30°F (-1.1°C)

What Is The Difference Between Euphorbia and Cacti?

Succulent Euphorbias and cacti are often confused with one another because of their similar appearances. Both groups of plants have succulent stems (meaning they store water), and both groups have spines (sometimes). However, that’s about where the similarities end.

The main difference between these two types of plants is in the sap. Euphorbia plants secrete white, latex-like milky sap; cacti don’t.

The other difference is often apparent in the flowers. Cacti generally have showy flowers that bloom in a wide range of colors, while Euphorbias typically have small, inconspicuous flowers surrounded by bracts.

FAQ

References:

• “Euphorbia antiquorum fruit” by lalithamba is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
• “Euphorbia Ammak & Sur de Arabia (1)” by someone10x is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
• “Whitemargin Sandmat (Euphorbia albomarginata); Covington Flats” by Joshua Tree National Park is marked with Public Domain Mark 1.0.
• “181210 082 SD Bot Gdn – New World Desert Garden, Euphorbia antisyphilitica Candelilla, a natural source of wax and varnish” by cultivar413 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
• “Euphorbia caducifolia” by Dinesh Valke is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
• “Kreuzblättrige Wolfsmilch (Euphorbia lathyris)” by Jelani Nemorivagus is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
• “Euphorbia helioscopia sap1” by Macleay Grass Man is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
• “starr-100621-7349-Euphorbia_multiformis_var_multiformis-leaves_and_fruit_with_white_sap-Honokowai_Ditch_Trail-Maui” by Starr Environmental is licensed under CC BY 2.0.