Family: Euphorbiaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Euphorbia lactea, commonly known as candelabra spurge, is a succulent shrub or small tree native to tropical regions of Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka. It is recognized for its upright, candelabra-like branching structure with angular, green stems often marked with lighter mottling and small spines along the edges. This striking architectural form makes it a popular ornamental plant in dry gardens, container plantings, and as a grafted specimen in landscaping. Like other spurges, it produces a milky sap and is valued primarily for its unusual appearance and drought tolerance.

Risks & Threats:
Candelabra spurge is naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Maui, and possesses traits that are cause for concern in Hawaiʻi. It can spread vegetatively from broken stem fragments, allowing it to establish and persist in new areas, especially in disturbed or dry environments. Its toxic sap can pose risks to people, pets, and wildlife, and dense growth may crowd out native vegetation. Because it is already established and capable of spreading, this species could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems. For these reasons, it is recommended to avoid planting Euphorbia lactea and instead choose a low-risk or native alternative better suited for Hawaiʻi’s environment.

High Risk Traits:

• Established invader: Naturalized in the Caribbean and Florida; invasive in Anguilla; naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, and Maui
  
• Toxic: Sap causes skin rashes, blisters, and temporary blindness; toxic to animals
  
• Unpalatable: Deters grazing by herbivores
  
• Forms dense thickets: Can dominate areas where established
  
• Vegetative reproduction: Spreads via stem fragments
  
• Human-mediated dispersal: Widely cultivated and easily spread by people
  
• Spiny: Possesses physical defenses
  
• Congeneric weeds: Other Euphorbia species are highly invasive

Low Risk Traits:

• Limited climate range: Restricted to USDA zones 10a–11
  
• No seed production: Rarely flowers in cultivation; spreads only vegetatively
  
• Poor dispersal: Lacks wind, water, or animal dispersal mechanisms
  
• Non-agricultural: Not a documented agricultural weed
  
• No fire risk: Succulent growth habit