Euphorbia stenoclada

silver thicket
Blue to olive green branches with briar thorns. Shrubby when young, but treelike with age. Prune early to create form, but avoid caustic sap. In windy spots spines rub causing cosmetic damage.
height 8–12ft
width 4–6ft
tolerates Drought, Deer , Gophers, Heat, Pots, Rooftops
water
needs		 Low
water
info		 The silver thicket is from arid areas of Madagascar and as such likes to go totally bone dry between waterings, making it very low-maintenance. To get good healthy growth your plant does not want to sit around totally dried out during its growing season. Once it is dry, water it.

This plant comes from an area with summer rainfall and is actively growing during that time, when it is forgiving of overwatering errors. In our experience it will need some additional summer water, even once established. During winter dormancy it should be kept extra dry and will be intolerant of overwatering.

Remember that if kept in a small pot your plant will want more frequent watering.
hardy
to		 26F
exposure Part Shade – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 In or Out
drainage In Ground: Cactus Mix, In Pots: Cactus Mix, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin W Madagascar
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 13–17, 19–24, H2

Sunset Zones Map

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

Aqua green in some shade, sun brings out the silver.
Shrubby when young, developed a handsome, wide, treelike form (with a nice rounded canopy) with age.
As euphorbias grow they will transition from colorful and smooth new growth to dull, brown and rough older growth. This is called corking, and it is totally natural. Think of this like an oak tree where the new shoots are shiny and green, but then eventually you get a trunk covered in rough dull bark.

Special Interest

Excellent home defense plant when placed near windows or along fences and walls.