Plant safety record
Crown of Thorns
Euphorbia milii
Prevent cats and dogs from chewing or contacting Euphorbia milii. Its milky sap can irritate the mouth, skin, and eyes; contact a veterinarian after suspected exposure.
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Cats
TOXIC
NC State flags Euphorbia milii as a problem for cats, while Pet Poison Helpline identifies Crown of Thorns as toxic to pets and describes irritant sap exposure.
Dogs
TOXIC
NC State flags Euphorbia milii as a problem for dogs, while Pet Poison Helpline identifies Crown of Thorns as toxic to pets and describes irritant sap exposure.
Quick answer
Pet Poison Helpline identifies Euphorbia milii as toxic to pets, and NC State flags the exact species as a problem for cats and dogs.
Plant identity and scope
This record is limited to Euphorbia milii. Crown of Thorns is separated from unrelated thorny plants and from other Euphorbia species; the scientific label controls the conclusion.
Governed aliases: Christ Plant, Christ Thorn, Crown-of-thorns.
What the evidence supports
The toxic result is tied to exact-species institutional evidence for Euphorbia milii and is corroborated by a veterinary poison-control source. It is not inferred solely from the Euphorbia genus.
Safety classifications come from PawPlants' governed evidence record, not from a retailer or product label.
If exposure may have occurred
Prevent further access, avoid contact with the sap, rinse exposed skin or eyes with plain water when appropriate, and contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service for case-specific advice.
Open PawPlants emergency guidance for immediate next steps and contact options.
Evidence and sources
- NC State Extension Plant Toolbox — Euphorbia miliiCat: Toxic; Dog: Toxic; subject: Euphorbia milii; problem for cats and dogs.
- Pet Poison Helpline — Crown of ThornsEvidence subject: Euphorbia milii; toxicity to pets.
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — Plants of the World Online — Euphorbia miliiEvidence subject: Euphorbia milii.