Cow's Horn Euphorbia

The Cow's Horn Euphorbia, scientifically known as Euphorbia grandicornis, is a striking succulent native to South Africa. This plant is named for its distinctively shaped, horn-like branches, which give it a unique and sculptural appearance.

Growing to about 2 to 6 feet in height and 2 to 4 feet in spread, the Cow's Horn Euphorbia forms robust, segmented branches that resemble cow horns. These branches are green with a grayish tinge and have a zigzag pattern. Along the edges of the branches are prominent thorns and small, spaced leaves that are often shed in dry conditions.

The flowers of Euphorbia grandicornis are small, yellowish-green, and typically inconspicuous. They are often overshadowed by the plant's dramatic foliage and architectural form. Like other Euphorbias, the Cow's Horn Euphorbia produces a milky sap when cut or damaged, which can be irritating to the skin and eyes.

This succulent prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in well-draining soil. It's highly drought-tolerant and should be watered sparingly to prevent root rot. The Cow's Horn Euphorbia is well-suited to xeriscaping, rock gardens, and succulent gardens, where its distinctive form can be showcased.

In landscaping, the Cow's Horn Euphorbia is often used as a focal point due to its unique and sculptural appearance. It can add an exotic touch to gardens and is particularly striking when grouped with other succulents and cacti.

Overall, the Cow's Horn Euphorbia is a low-maintenance and visually impressive plant, ideal for adding architectural interest and a touch of the exotic to a variety of garden settings. Its unique, horn-like branches and adaptability to dry conditions make it a popular choice among succulent enthusiasts and gardeners seeking a dramatic and drought-tolerant plant.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Cow’s Horn Euphorbia

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 5-6 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Cow’s Horn Euphorbia does not require staking and grows as a striking, bushy succulent

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Cow’s Horn Euphorbia is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 4-6 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the plant
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering frequency in the summer to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 4-6 weeks