CACTUS EUPHORBIA ENOPLA

Botanical Name:
Euphorbia enopla

Common Names:
Euphorbia enopla, Spiny Euphorbia

Mature Size:
1–3 feet (30–90 cm) in height, 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) in spread

Light Requirements:
Full sun to bright light

Soil Requirements:
Well-drained soils; prefers sandy, rocky, or cactus/succulent mixes

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

Stems:
Clump-forming, upright, ribbed green stems with striking red to purple spines; dramatic and sculptural appearance

Flowers:
Small, yellow-green cyathia (specialized euphorbia flowers) appear seasonally; not showy but add interest

Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Euphorbia enopla is admired for its striking color contrast and spiny, architectural stems, adding bold texture to xeriscapes, rock gardens, and desert-style landscapes.

Xeriscaping:
An excellent choice for water-wise gardens, thriving in arid and sunny regions with minimal care.

Sculptural Accent Plant:
Its vivid red spines and upright growth make it a standout specimen in modern, minimalist, and collector gardens, both in-ground and in containers.

Benefits:

• Extreme Drought Tolerance: Thrives with little to no supplemental irrigation in dry, sunny conditions.

• Low Maintenance: Hardy and pest-resistant; needs only occasional watering and cleanup of old stems.

• Ecological Interest: Its flowers attract small pollinators during bloom periods.

• Architectural Form: Colorful spines and upright growth provide year-round visual interest.

• Adaptable: Tolerates heat and brief cool spells, making it versatile for many dry climates.

Euphorbia enopla is a resilient, visually striking succulent that brings color and structure to water-wise and desert landscapes. Its unique red spines and low-care requirements make it a prized choice for collectors and sustainable garden designs.