My first recollection of the plant crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii) was at my aunt’s home in the 1950s. I noted that the stems were covered with thorns and ended with vibrant red flowers.

Thorny vines outside of your door can be used to create a crown of thorns for Lent. (photo: Emily Malloy photo) Emily Malloy Features March 4, 2025.

However, as the name "crown of thorns" suggests, the plant is covered with 1-inch-long very sharp spines, which means it’s not an ideal plant to have in your home if you have curious kids or pets.

Crown of thorns have as many as 13-16 short, sharp spines that are up to 6 cm (over 2 inches) long. Starfish, Crown of Thorns, and Sea Star Punctures Symptoms. Puncture symptoms include: ...

Crown-of-thorns sea stars walk along reefs in the Maldives. The sea creatures are native to waters throughout the Indo-Pacific, but their growing populations threaten sensitive coral reef habitats.