Scientific Name
Euphorbia lactea
Common Name
Candelabra cactus, false cactus, dragon bones

CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

Characteristics

Family
Euphorbiaceae
Plant Description
Succulent, spiny shrub with milky latex, branches mottled green with white lines; leaves dropping soon.
Origin
India.
Where Found
Houseplant or interiorscape.
Mode
Ingestion, dermatitis, severe eye irritant.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea when ingested. Redness, swelling, blisters after some delay following contact with skin.
Toxic Principle
Diterpene esters in milky latex.
Severity
CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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