James H. Schutte
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name
EUPHORBIA lactea
Plant Common Name
Candelabra Plant, Elkhorn
General Description
Hailing from the arid regions of India and Sri Lanka, Euphorbia lactea is a highly cultivated, cactus-like succulent that has become naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe. When grown in frost-free zones it reaches shrub or tree-sized proportions. Though nearly leafless, its spiny, evergreen stems look attractive all season long. As a landscape specimen, elkhorn offers tough, substantial beauty in addition to fast, relatively maintenance free growth. In zones with cold winters it is sold as a common houseplant.
The upright, densely branched stems of elkhorn have three to four angles and ivory streaks down the face of each indented side. When cut, they emit copious amounts of milky white latex, hence the specific name, lactea. The angles are edged with small pairs of spreading spines. When water is plentiful tiny leaves appear near the spines. Small, inconspicuous, yellow to yellowish green flowers also appear near spines throughout the year and are followed by equally small fruits that produce lots of viable seed.
Full to partial sun and sharply drained soil are essential for good health and performance. Elkhorn is resilient to high heat and drought. Container-grown specimens require high light and a potting medium formulated for cacti. Be sure not to overwater succulent euphorbs as this can lead to root and stem rot. Protective gloves should be worn when pruning this plant because its latex is a dangerous dermal irritant. Plants are propagated by cuttings or seed.
Elkhorn may be planted as a landscape or container specimen or lined up as a hedge in hot, arid, frost-free climates. There are a number of desirable cultivated varieties with color and stem mutations, such as the crested, silvery 'White Ghost.'
Despite its landscape functionality and ornamental appeal, care should be taken when planting Euphorbia lactea in tropical and subtropical areas because it has the capacity to become highly invasive and threaten ecosystems where introduced. To learn more visit the Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) database: http://www.hear.org/Pier/species/euphorbia_lactea.htm
There are health concerns related to the latex emitted by this Euphorbia species. To learn more visit The Poisonous Plants of North Carolina database: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/poison/Euphola.htm
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
Yellow, Yellow Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Bark Color
Green, Ivory
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Bark Color Modifier
Striped/Striated
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Evergreen
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Foundation, Hedges, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
Yes
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Self-Sowing
Yes
