| OHCC LIVING | AUGUST 2025 | 11
The Pencil Cactus, also known
as the Firestick plant (Euphorbia
Tirucalli) is both a beauty and
a beast. It is related to the
Poinsettia, which is much less
toxic due to its' lesser amount
of sap. The Pencil Cactus is
extremely toxic to humans, cats,
and dogs because it contains
copious amounts of a milky latex
sap capable of causing serious
eye, stomach, and skin injury. There is no safe part of the Pencil
Cactus. Any time you handle any part of it; you run the risk of
coming into contact with the sap. If you are going to prune this
plant, be sure to wear disposable gloves and eye protection.
If you are allergic to latex, stay away from the sap because it is
latex-based. It has been known to cause anaphylactic shock, which
is life-threatening. An allergic reaction can be treated with an anti-
histamine or a trip to the emergency room.
Symptoms of skin touched by the Pencil Cactus sap:
• Severe irritation of the skin
• Redness and burning of the skin
Pencil Cactus Sap:
• Light sensitivity
• Redness of the eye
• Swollen eyelids
• Blurred vision
• Bleeding of the eye
Symptoms of ingestion of the Pencil Cactus sap:
• Burns on mouth, lips, and tongue
• Extreme salivation
• Stomach cramps
• Vomiting
Treatments for exposure to the Pencil Cactus sap consists of
thoroughly washing the affected area for about 15 minutes. Sluice
the area with chilled water. Be vigilant not to spread the washed sap
to any unaffected area of the body.
*Original OHCC Living article, January 2022
Landscape Committee
