Euphorbia stenoclada x tirucalli ‘Briar Patch’

briar patch
Shrubby when young, treelike with age. Unusual, sculptural branching. Appreciates dry winters, but water when almost dry in warm months. Appreciates heat. Good drainage a must.
height 7–10ft
width 5–8ft
tolerates Deer , Gophers, Heat, Pots, Wind
water
needs		 Low – Moderate
water
info		 This plant will need to be protected from getting both cold and wet. Do not add additional water during periods of winter rain. During winter it should be kept extra dry and will be intolerant of overwatering.

In the San Francisco Bay Area and Central and Northern California, protect this plant from getting too much water by putting it in a small pot.

When the plant it actively growing, it will like water. If you see your euphorbia begin to shrivel or lose firmness, your plant is likely totally dry and should be watered. For good healthy growth, your plant doesn’t want to sit around totally dried out during its growing season. Once it is dry, water it.
hardy
to		 29F
exposure Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 In or Out
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix
fertilizing Low Needs
origin Hybrid
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 13, 21–24

Sunset Zones Map

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Shrubby when young, with great age this plant is treelike.
Gophers and deer avoid this plant due to the toxic latex sap. It also irritates people, so avoid it and wash off skin quickly if exposed. Take extra precaution to keep the sap out of your eyes.
Prune lower branches to create a more treelike form, but avoid sap.
You may find your euphorbia develops hard brown scabs that eventually cover the trunk, especially on older growth. This is called corking, and is the natural process of the ‘branch’ becoming a cactus ‘stump’ and getting bark, just like trees do. Corking is totally natural and adds to the beauty of your plant over time.
This plant tolerates a light frost, but tends to get blackened stems that will die back and need to be pruned off. Place in a protected microclimate if frost is expected.

Special Interest

Reliably a good indoor plant as well, and this plant easily transitions from outdoors into a warm sunny room inside. This is a great choice for a very hot indoor spot and will tolerate direct indoor sunlight.