Euphorbia tirucalli
fire stick
Overview
Euphorbia tirucalli is a succulent shrub or small tree reaching 15-30 feet (4.6-9 m) tall in frost-free climates, with a rounded crown of smooth, cylindrical green branches about 0.25-0.3 inch (6-8 mm) thick. The branches photosynthesize in place of leaves; true leaves are tiny, 0.25-0.5 inch (6-13 mm) long, and drop early, leaving the plant nearly leafless for most of the year. Stems are bright green when young, aging to grey-brown and woody at the base. All parts contain a white latex that flows freely when stems are cut or broken. Flowers are inconspicuous, yellow-green, clustered at branch tips, appearing mainly in late autumn and winter in suitable climates. Growth is upright and shrubby, branching repeatedly into a tangled mass of pencil-like stems. Outside the tropics it stays smaller, often 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) as a container or greenhouse plant. The latex is a strong skin, eye, and mucous-membrane irritant and is toxic if ingested by people or animals, which limits its placement near walkways and play areas. Stems are damaged below about 30 F (-1 C) and cannot survive hard frost.
Native Range
Native to semi-arid tropical Africa, particularly northeastern and southern Africa, and naturalized across India, Arabia, and other dry tropical regions. Grows in open scrub, dry grassland, and rocky ground, and is widely planted as a hedge and living fence in frost-free areas.Suggested Uses
Planted as a hedge, screen, or living fence in frost-free regions, and grown as a container or greenhouse specimen elsewhere. Used in arid and succulent gardens spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) apart for screening. The irritant latex restricts its use near paths, seating, and areas used by children and pets.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height15' - 30'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
GreenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grown in full sun and fast-draining soil; established plants tolerate extended drought and need watering only during prolonged dry heat. Overwatering and poorly drained soil cause stem rot and collapse. In containers it grows in a cactus or succulent mix watered sparingly, allowing the medium to dry between waterings. Cut stems release a white latex that irritates skin and eyes on contact. Plants root readily from stem cuttings left to callus for several days before planting. Scale and mealybugs occur on stressed plants, but pest pressure is otherwise low.Pruning
Pruning to control size and shape is done in warm weather when cut wounds seal quickly. Every cut releases caustic latex that irritates skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Removed stems root if left to callus, or can be discarded.Pruning Schedule
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons