Back to Search

🚨 DEADLY EMERGENCY

Call Your Vet or Poison Control IMMEDIATELY

📞 ASPCA: (888) 426-4435📞 Pet Poison: (855) 764-7661

Pencil Cactus

Also known as: Pencil Cactus, Firestick Plant, Milk Bush

plant • succulent
Toxic compound: diterpene esters

What Happens

Highly caustic sap causes severe burns to skin, eyes, and mouth

Timeline

Immediate

🩺 Symptoms

Severe burns, blindness if eye contact, vomiting, difficulty breathing

Do This Right Now

Emergency vet if consumed or eye contact, wash skin immediately

When to Worry

ANY sap contact, especially eyes or mouth

Vet Consultation

Emergency if consumed or eye contact

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for medical decisions.