PlantLegitIs Crown of thorns safe for cats, dogs and kids?
Euphorbia milii
No. It is toxic to dogs and cats.
- DogsToxic: risk named by NC State
- CatsToxic: risk named by NC State
- KidsOn NC Poison Control's poisonous-plants list ("Crown-of-Thorns")
Sources (4)
- NC State, Plants Poisonous to Livestock and Pets: Euphorbia – herbarium.ncsu.edu
- Cite as: Hardin, J.W., C.F. Brownie, and A. Krings. 2018-present. Plants poisonous to livestock and pets in North Carolina, 2.0. North Carolina State University, Raleigh. http://herbarium.ncsu.edu/poisonous/ (accessed 2026-10-24)
- Poisonous Plants – NC Poison Control – ncpoisoncontrol.org
- Poison Help line 1-800-222-1222 – HRSA – U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration
Think someone ate part of a plant?
- Child or adult: call Poison Help 1-800-222-1222 (free, confidential, 24/7; HRSA Poison Help).
- Dog or cat: call your veterinarian, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 (24/7; a fee may apply; ASPCA).
- Trouble breathing, seizures or collapse: call 911.
Details
NC State: NC State lists crown-of-thorns among the spurges (genus Euphorbia), whose milky sap holds irritating compounds, and says the houseplant spurges are the most dangerous to pets. NC State entry
ASPCA cross-check: we found no single ASPCA entry for this plant.
Kids: NC Poison Control lists "Crown-of-Thorns" as a potentially poisonous plant. Keep it out of reach of young children.
Planning outdoor beds for spring? What’s OK to Plant ($12) gives you the plants that are legal and not invasive for your ZIP code, with sources.
Related
We summarize published sources in our own words. Not medical or veterinary advice. Checked 2026-10-24.