African Milk Tree

Euphorbia trigon

The African Milk Tree is a stunning and captivating succulent plant that grows well in the dry conditions of a xeriscape garden. Native to Africa, it is named for its white sap that resembles milk although all parts of this plant are toxic to humans. The milk tree has a long lifespan with moderate growth of 1-2 feet per year. In the garden it can grow 12-15 feet high and 4-6 feet wide at maturity but grown indoors in a container it will be shorter. It likes dry soil textured with some peat moss and grows best in full sun. It does best in zone 10-11 but will grow in summer in zone 7 and can be moved indoors over the winter. The African Milk Tree can be propagated by its red tear shaped leaves or stem cuttings.  It does have thorns so wear gloves when moving or taking cuttings. Milk trees have white or red flowers when in bloom in the spring and summer although this plant may not bloom at all.

Photo Credit: Oklahoma State Extension

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