Plant safety record
Pencil Cactus
Euphorbia tirucalli
Pencil Cactus, Euphorbia tirucalli, is toxic to cats and dogs within this exact species scope.
Cats
TOXIC
Pencil Cactus is classified as toxic within this exact governed scope.
Dogs
TOXIC
Pencil Cactus is classified as toxic within this exact governed scope.
Quick answer
Keep pets away from Pencil Cactus. Contact a veterinarian after suspected chewing or sap exposure.
Plant identity
Governed scientific identity: Euphorbia tirucalli
Also called: Sticks of Fire
Pencil Cactus is Euphorbia tirucalli. Sticks of Fire is a scoped search alias; this record is not a true cactus identity.
Safety for cats and dogs
ASPCA identifies irritating latex sap that can irritate the mouth and stomach and sometimes cause vomiting.
If your pet chewed it
Remove access, prevent licking of visible sap, and contact a veterinarian or animal poison-control service after a meaningful exposure or concerning symptoms.
Prevention and placement
Keep broken stems and milky sap away from pets, and wash hands after handling or pruning.
Evidence scope
Do not generalize this conclusion to Euphorbia spp. or to true cacti.
Evidence and sources
- ASPCA — Pencil CactusClassification for the governed identity or scope.
- Wikimedia Commons — Euphorbia tirucalli WPC.jpgImage source, creator, license, and representation provenance.