Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Red Pencil Tree

Euphorbia tirucalli

Design with this plant

Overview

The Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia trigona) is a striking, low-maintenance succulent boasting vibrant red-tinged green stems. Typically reaching up to 8 feet tall, this drought-resistant plant adds vertical interest with a spread of 1-3 feet. Its pointed growth pattern and minimal leaf drop make it ideal for clean, modern designs. Caution is advised as the sap is an irritant. Thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Sun Full, HalfWater Very LowZones 9–10Type Succulent
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — This hardy and easy-to-care-for plant is characterized by its upright

Culture

Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Succulent
Family
Euphorbiaceae

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (104)

Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — red flowers in the garden; also referred to as the African Milk Tree
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — also referred to as the African Milk Tree; typically reaching up to 8 feet tall, image 58
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — This plant is hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11, and should be protected or brought indoors in cooler, image 40
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — Its pointed growth pattern and minimal leaf drop make it ideal for clean, modern designs; thrives in full, image 80
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — succulent with red blooms; this plant is hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11, and should be protected or brought indoors
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — succulent with red blooms; this plant is hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11, and should be protected or, image 74
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — it's recommended to place it in a sunny area
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — This plant is hardy in USDA zones 10 through 11, and should be protected or brought indoors in cooler climates
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — covered in small leaves and thorns; caution is advised as the sap is an irritant
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — in line with typical succulent care; it requires minimal water, image 67
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — the Red Pencil Tree offers a low-maintenance
Red Pencil Tree (Euphorbia tirucalli) — with a striking red or purple hue that enhances its appeal, image 38
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli
Euphorbia tirucalli
Photographs by 8 contributors

Related plants

African Candelabra (Euphorbia Ammak 'Green') — commonly known as African Candelabra

Succulent

African Candelabra

Euphorbia Ammak 'Green'

FullUSDA 11–11
Arizona Nettlespurge (Jatropha Cinerea) — scientifically referred to as Jatropha cinerea

Shrub

Arizona Nettlespurge

Jatropha Cinerea

FullUSDA 9–10
Baja Spurge (Euphorbia Xantii) — Euphorbia xantii, or Baja Spurge, is a perennial succulent native to Baja California

Perennial

Baja Spurge

Euphorbia Xantii

FullUSDA 9–11
Blue Euphorbia, Sweet Noor (Euphorbia Coerulescens) — Blue Euphorbia (Euphorbia coerulescens)

Cactus

Blue Euphorbia, Sweet Noor

Euphorbia Coerulescens

FullUSDA 9–11
Bush Or Dome Euphorbia (Euphorbia Characias) — as this euphorbia is drought-tolerant and prefers drier conditions once established; perennial for full

Perennial

Bush Or Dome Euphorbia

Euphorbia Characias

FullUSDA 7–10
California Copper Leaf (Acalypha Californica) — The California Copper Leaf, Acalypha californica, is a native perennial shrub standing 1.5-3 ft tall

Ground cover

California Copper Leaf

Acalypha Californica

FullUSDA 8–11