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Identifying Unknown Plants/what's this thorny plant?

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Expert: Angie Girdham - 10/6/2006


Question
I'll sent jpeg straight off the scanner. . . can't find identy of plant - upright "trunk" is covered all around with groupings of 3 spikes - a single, slender oleander-type leaf grows from between each bottom 2 of 3 thorns.  Leaves drop off over time?  bottom half of this "trunk" has no leaves, but plant was near dead from thirst when I got it.  Thanks.

Answer
Hello Michele,

Have you ever seen a milk sap come out of the plant or by tearing the leaves? How about any flowers?

To me it looks like a member of the "crown of thorns" or Euphorbia family.

If you think I'm missing the mark, please write back and I will continue to work on this ID.

Angie

Identifying Unknown Plants

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Angie Girdham

Expertise

I can help you ID a variety of plant types although most of my experience is in Zones 4-8. I have a large plant reference library and I'm proficient with using the ID keys and narrowing down the choices. I also have knowledge of most cutflowers and houseplants.

Experience

I have been employed in the "green" industry for over 14 years. I have worked as a greenhouse grower, research assistant, plant science teacher and horticulturist. I attend various training and trade conferences during the year to stay updated on changes in the industry. I subscribe to over 5 different publications to help my stay informed.

Organizations
Ohio Florist Association Michigan Nurserymen Association Michigan Horticutural Therapy Association

Publications
Views from the Arb

Education/Credentials
A degree in Ornamental Horticulture. Completion of Grower's Certificate from College of Knowledge supported by MSU. Horticulture certificate completed at vocational high school. A Michigan certified nurseryman and pesticide applicator.

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