Euphorbia tirucalli

Firesticks

OVERVIEW:

Euphorbia tirucalli is a dioecious, single to multiple trunked succulent soaring close to 20ft in height (and counting) once mature. It lacks spines, but compensates by producing a poisonous, milky-white sap. Native to semi-arid tropical parts of eastern and southern Africa, it was introduced with subsequent naturalization occurring many years ago along the Arab trading routes from the Arabian Peninsula across the Indian Ocean to India and Indonesia (also similar to the Bougainvillea and a variety of other sub-tropicals). It receives its common name ‘Firesticks’ from the bright red tips that emerge in the winter months, transforming its generally green coloring to a riot of oranges, reds, and pinks.

CLASSIFICATION:

Scientific Name: Euphorbia tirucalli

Common Name: Firesticks

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Suggested Uses: Specimen plant, Xeriscape addition, succulent hedge or privacy screen

CHARACTERISTICS:

Height: 20-25ft

Width: 10-15ft

Flower: Inconspicious

Monocarpic: no

Fruit: n/a

ENVIRONMENT:

USDA Zone: 9-11

Hardiness: 25F

Sun: Full sun

Water: low usage once established

Soil: Sandy, rocky well-draining soils