A Nextdoor post from a WeHo North-Santa Monica resident is spreading fast, and if you walk a dog in West Hollywood, it’s worth a few minutes of your time. Phu Le says his dog was recently hospitalized after exposure to a fire stick plant near West Knoll Drive and Westbourne Drive. The vet bill came to $2,028.87. The photos of the dog’s injuries are difficult to look at.
Le’s post drew 127 reactions and 75 comments in less than 24 hours, which tells you something about how many dog owners in this neighborhood recognized the name of the plant or had their own close calls.
The plant is Euphorbia tirucalli, better known as the fire stick plant, pencil cactus, or milk bush. It’s extremely common in Southern California landscaping. Colorful, drought-tolerant, basically indestructible. What most people walking past one don’t know is that it contains one of the most caustic plant saps documented in medical literature.
What the sap does
The National Institutes of Health describes the white latex produced by Euphorbia tirucalli as one of the most irritating plant substances known. The sap releases automatically when a branch is broken, bumped, or chewed. Skin contact produces immediate burning, redness, swelling, and blisters. Eye exposure can damage the cornea and cause temporary blindness. The NIH notes that even with prompt treatment, corneal defects can take up to ten days to heal, and permanent blindness has been documented in severe cases.
For dogs, the ASPCA classifies all Euphorbia species as toxic due to complex chemical compounds in the sap. When a dog rolls against a broken stem or chews the plant, the sap causes chemical burns on the skin and triggers intense vomiting, salivation, and GI distress. Veterinary toxicology sources describe it as among the most dangerous plants in its genus for exposure outcomes. Le’s dog shows extensive raw, inflamed burns across the back and hindquarters in the photos he posted.
The vet invoice, also posted publicly by Le, shows treatment on February 25 that included wound care, antibiotics, anti-nausea injections, Cytopoint, Buprenorphine for pain, and bacterial cultures. The total before a partial discount came to $2,140.34.
The plants at West Knoll and Westbourne
A photo posted with Le’s warning shows the intersection clearly, with large fire stick plants growing in the landscaping directly adjacent to the sidewalk at a residential building near West Knoll Drive. The plants are mature, bushy, and positioned right at dog-nose height, exactly where a curious animal on a leash would make contact.
Le is asking whether other West Hollywood residents have had similar experiences and says he intends to contact the City about removing the plants from public-adjacent areas.
How to recognize a fire stick plant
Fire stick plants have bright orange, red, and yellow cylindrical branches that resemble clusters of glowing coral or lit matches. They have no visible leaves and bleed thick white sap immediately when a branch is cut or broken. They’re planted throughout West Hollywood in front yards, medians, and building landscaping.
If your dog is exposed
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Get to a vet immediately. Reactions can be delayed, and by the time visible burns develop, the chemical process is already well underway. For skin contact on humans, rinse immediately with cool water and avoid spreading the sap. Do not take a warm shower right away — heat spreads the latex. Eye contact is a medical emergency requiring immediate irrigation. Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for human exposures and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 for pets.
WEHOonline contacted the City of West Hollywood Department of Public Works on Friday to ask whether the City has received other complaints about fire stick plants in public-adjacent landscaping, whether a removal process exists for hazardous plants on private property bordering public walkways, and whether any action is planned at the West Knoll Drive location. We’ll update you when the City responds.
We have two big fire sticks at our home and had no clue. I gotta imagine most don’t either, including the City. Thanks to residents like Phu Le now we know.
West Hollywood residents who want to flag fire stick plants in public or publicly accessible areas can contact the City’s Public Works division at (323) 848-6400.
Fire stick plants are very colorful, but can be poisonous as the sag from a broken stem can be harmful. I have a couple of these plants in wooden containers in my backyard, but they are away from traffic areas and sitting areas. I suggest the removal of these plants from near sidewalks and interior pathways. As many residents are renters, a landlord will need to be encouraged to remove these plants and told of their hazard. I understand poinsettias,the red plant you see at Christmas time are not good for pets. They can get sick by eating the red… Read more »
The fact that these plants are highly toxic is no secret yet you don’t see warnings and it is irresponsible for landscapers to keep pushing this decorative species.
I had no idea! That gorgeous plant is everywhere! Like the botanist in Jurassic Park says: “You have these plants ’cause they’re gorgeous, but they are poison.” Also bad: White Oleander and Angel’s Trumpet. LA mom Michelle Pfieffer kills her husband with White Oleander in the book and movie of the same name.
Fire stick plants are extremely dangerous to both animals and humans when exposed to the milky sap. This plant shouldn’t be used in any landscape
In Hwd it is okay to be dangerous as long as you are pretty. Look at will smith!
WTF? 🤡
Thank you for publicizing this danger.
The building pictured on West Knoll is at Westbourne Dr.
Surprisingly, Healthy Spot has filled their planter lining SM Blvd. with this known hazard.
I remember seeing another article somewhere a couple years ago about this risk, so I was already an aware pet dad, fortunately.
My heart goes out to Phu and his dog. Credit to him for alerting others as well.
It would be great if the City would consider banning this plant/ incentivizing its removal to protect animals, children, and adults alike.
I hope the complex will remove the fire stick plants immediately.
They are everywhere.