Pencil Cactus
Euphorbia tirucalli · Euphorbiaceae
How it looks
Pencil Cactus is a succulent with almost no leaves, whose slender green stems, thin as pencils, branch densely. Cutting the stem releases a white latex sap. It reaches about 3-16 ft (1-5 m) tall and, despite its name, is not a true cactus but a member of the genus Euphorbia.
Mild caution — stomach irritation
All parts of Pencil Cactus contain an irritating milky sap that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Pencil Cactus rarely leads to serious trouble, but its diterpenoid esters can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset.
Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach.
If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
Details
- Scientific name
- Euphorbia tirucalli
- Common name
- Pencil Cactus
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (latex)
- Compounds
- Diterpenoid esters
- Onset
- Right away to within 2 hours of ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation
- Action
- Rinse the mouth with water and monitor. Consult a vet if symptoms last more than 12 hours.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Euphorbiaceae
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