PlantLegitIs Pencil cactus safe for cats, dogs and kids?
Euphorbia tirucalli
No. It is toxic to dogs and cats.
- DogsToxic: risk named by NC State, and ASPCA agrees
- CatsToxic: risk named by NC State, and ASPCA agrees
- KidsNot on NC Poison Control's list (not a safety rating)
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)
- See also: ASPCA entry for Pencil Cactus
- 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 pencil-tree (milkbush) 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: ASPCA lists it (Pencil Cactus) as toxic to dogs and toxic to cats. See ASPCA
Kids: not on NC Poison Control's list of poisonous plants. That list is not complete. Young children should not eat any houseplant.
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.