Euphorbia tirucallii ‘Sticks on Fire’
FIRESTICKS, RED PENCIL TREE
Bloom Period: None of note
Mature Height x Spread: 4-8 x 3-5 ft (1.2-2.4 m x .91-1.5 m)
Exposure: Full sun
Cold tolerance: 30° F (-1° C)
Origin: Africa
This colorful succulent has vibrant orange-red colored stems that are green at the base. In addition to its color, its thin stems and spiky growth habit ensure that it stands out wherever it’s planted. The coloring is caused by a lack of chlorophyll in the stems.
While ‘Firesticks’ start small, they can grow up to 6 to 8 feet (1.8-2.4 m) tall, so be sure to allow plenty of room for them to grow. Avoid planting in the shade, which will decrease the orange/red color.
Use single specimens as a focal point in the landscape or an informal hedging plant. This succulent is frost-tender and needs protection when temps hover around 32° F (0° C). Its milky sap is irritating to the eyes and skin. Use it in the front yard and away from foot traffic. Water once to twice a month, spring through early fall.
Did you know that up to 70 percent of water use is outdoors? That’s why we love desert plants and feature them each month. Learn more about fire stick and many other plants by visiting our Arizona Low-Water-Use Plants page. Visit our page on Choosing and Planting Low Water-Use Plants for tips on plant selection and how to plant properly.
Also, be sure to read through all of our featured Plant of the Month blogs!
Water – Use It Wisely is proud to feature guest bloggers who share insights on water and water conservation. Noelle Johnson is an urban horticulturist, Certified Arborist, and freelance garden writer who helps people create beautiful, low-maintenance gardens through practical, accessible advice. This blog is an approved excerpt from her book Dry Climate Gardening: Growing Beautiful, Sustainable Gardens in Low Water Conditions. Noelle is passionate about teaching people how to use and appreciate the incredible desert plants that thrive in our landscapes. Learn more about this book and her two recently published titles on her website.