Warning

For all eye exposures by sap rinse the eye with water for 15 minutes. Then seek medical assistance.

Description

A leafless, succulent shrub with angled stems and short, brown to black spines.

The stems are usually dark green marbled with white or pale green. Grown as an ornamental.

The flowers are yellow, and very small to insignificant. There are no leaves.

Toxicity

  • Potentially toxic

  • Irritant to skin or eyes

  • Respiratory irritant

Symptoms

The sap causes skin rash and blisters, intense burning and, if splashed into the eye, temporary blindness. The stout, sharp spines can also cause mechanical injury.

Images

Candelabra cactus
Photo by Mary Louden

Details

Common name: Candelabra cactus

Botanical nameEuphorbia lactea

Other common names: –

Family: Euphorbiaceae

General description: A leafless, succulent shrub with angled stems and short, brown to black spines. The stems are usually dark green marbled with white or pale green. Grown as an ornamental.

Flowers: The flowers are yellow, and very small to insignificant.

Leaves: There are no leaves.

Fruit/Berries: The fruit are 3-lobed capsules, rare or absent in cultivation.

Other: The sap is copious, milky and corrosive. Stout sharp spines are present along the angled stems.

Last updated: November 2024