In plant morphology, thorns, spines, and prickles, and in general spinose structures (sometimes called spinose teeth or spinose apical processes), are hard, rigid extensions or modifications of leaves, roots, stems, or buds with sharp, stiff ends, and generally serve the same function: physically defending plants against herbivory.

Mar 25, 2025 · Here are the main care requirements for growing a crown of thorns plant: Prefers temperatures in the 65°F to 75°F range and requires no particular humidity. Handles indoor growth well when in a bright window.

Jan 3, 2024 · A row of tall spiky plants or flowering shrubs with thorns growing along a wall or fence can deter unwanted guests. Rather than erect a fence, grow thorn bushes in strategic places to keep out deer, cats, stray dogs, rabbits, raccoons, and other pests.

Here’s a list of plants with thorns, some info about where they grow, and what they look like. 1. Common Gorse. Scientific Name: Ulex europaeus. If you live in the United States, you’ve probably seen gorse. It was introduced to the western hemisphere in the mid-1800s to be an ornamental bush in gardens.

Euphorbia milii, the crown-of-thorns, Christ plant or Christ's thorn, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, native to Madagascar. The specifies commemorates Baron Milius , once Governor of Réunion, who introduced the species to France in 1821.

Jan 22, 2024 · In USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, crown of thorns will grow as perennials and bloom year-round. Grown as a houseplant, the plants typically bloom from late winter fall. It has a shrublike, multi-stemmed growth habit and reaches three to six feet tall outdoors, but generally tops out at two feet tall indoors.

Equipped with sharp weaponry beneath deceptively innocent flowers, plants with thorns have developed to discourage ravenous herbivores from nibbling on their yummy stems. However, their blade-studded structure might have an alternate purpose within your garden!

Jun 20, 2023 · Here are 15 plants with thorns that add value to your yard. Japanese barberry is a deciduous shrub bristling with sharp thorns. It forms a classic hedge to discourage trespassing. The foliage turns red, orange, purple, or yellow in the fall. The red berries persist for months, affording winter interest.

Feb 19, 2025 · Native to Madagascar the Euphorbia milii is a slow-growing plant, and is known for its bright green leaves, vibrant flowers, and sharp thorns. Over time, this succulent has been cultivated worldwide and has become a popular houseplant …

Apr 4, 2022 · The crown of thorns plant features bright green leaves and thick woody stems covered in thorns. It blooms year-round with flowers surrounded by larger bracts that may be pink, white, yellow, orange, or red.