Euphorbia lactea White Ghost Mottled Spurge

Euphorbia lactea ‘White Ghost’ is a striking, upright succulent shrub or small tree (commonly called mottled spurge), notable for its stark white, chlorophyll-deficient stems formed by a crested mutation—giving it an ethereal, ghost-like appearance. Native to subtropical Asia (Indian subcontinent), it typically reaches 5–15 ft (1.5–4.5 m) in the landscape and 1–2 ft (30–60 cm) in containers. The plant features four-angled, spined stems with milky sap, which is toxic and skin-irritating. Leaves are ephemeral, and flowers are small, inconspicuous cyathia. Cultivation requires full sun to part shade, sharply drained soil, and protection from frost (hardy to zones 10–11). This cultivar is widely sought by collectors for its ornamental form.