One of my favorite plants is the pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), specifically the “firesticks” variety. Mine looks like this:

Today at the property where I was doing a home inspection, I found the biggest one I’ve ever seen:

Other common names include pencil tree and milk bush.

Euphorbias are one of the largest and most diverse genus in the plant kingdom and includes your common Christmas poinsettia. Most, if not all, have a white, milky, sticky sap that can cause severe dermatitis in some people, including yours truly. (I judge the risk to be acceptable for the beauty the plant brings to my garden.) The sap is also used as a purgative or laxative although in higher doses it can cause severe diarrhea.

Euphorbia sap can also be deadly for our fine, furry, four-legged friends, so keep an eye on your pets if you have the plants on your property, especially at Christmas time. We don’t need a joyous holiday to turn into a tragic one.

Looking for real estate services in San Diego County?
I can highly recommend
James Frimmer, Realtor
Century 21 Award, DRE #01458572

If you’re looking for a home inspector,
I recommend Russel Ray — that’s me!