CACTUS EUPHORBIA ENOPLA CRISTATA

Botanical Name:
Euphorbia enopla cristata

Common Names:
Crested Spiny Euphorbia, Red Spine Euphorbia

Light Requirements:
Full sun to bright light

Soil Requirements:
Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, rocky, and poor substrates

Water Needs:
Very low; extremely drought-tolerant once established

Stems:
Fan-shaped, crested green stems with vivid red spines, forming sculptural, undulating patterns

Flowers:
Small yellow-green cyathia appear occasionally; not showy but add seasonal interest

Growth Rate:
Slow

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Euphorbia enopla cristata is admired for its rare crested form and vivid spine color, making it a unique focal point in xeriscapes, rock gardens, and modern succulent collections.

Xeriscaping:
Perfect for low-water-use gardens, it thrives in arid regions and requires minimal care.

Sculptural Accent Plant:
Its dramatic crested silhouette and bright spines make it a standout specimen in minimalist, contemporary, or collector gardens.

Benefits:

• Extreme Drought Tolerance: Performs well in harsh, dry environments with little irrigation.

• Low Maintenance: Hardy, pest-resistant, and long-lived; needs only occasional watering and light cleanup.

• Rare and Collectible: Unique crested form offers one-of-a-kind shapes, perfect for enthusiasts.

• Ecological Interest: Flowers attract small pollinators during bloom periods.

• Architectural Form: Its bold, colorful structure adds visual impact year-round.

Euphorbia enopla cristata is a resilient, slow-growing succulent prized for its rare, sculptural form and vivid spines. It brings drama and elegance to dry, sustainable landscapes and makes an exceptional collector’s piece.