大戟屬落葉灌木，原產北美洲南部至南美洲北部的熱帶及亞熱帶地區。枝條直立，樹高可達3m，園藝栽培一般維持於1m。枝葉傷口會流白色有毒乳汁。葉面有斑色花紋。互生卵形至披針形葉，長5~10cm，寬3~5cm，原種綠色，園藝栽培種的葉片有乳白斑紋。大戟花序排列為聚繖花序；花紅色，形似鳥嘴。開花期冬至春季。

A deciduous shrub of the genus Euphorbia, native to tropical and subtropical regions from southern North America to northern South America. It can grow up to 3 m high in the native habitats, while cultivars are often dwarfed for only 1 m high. Branches erect. Poisonous white latex secreted when branches and leaves wounded. Leaf surface spotted, shaped ovate to lanceolate, 5-10 cm long, 3-5 cm wide. The parent species is green while cultivars bear milky spots on the leaves. Cyathium arranged in cymes, flowers red and bird beak-like. Flowering from winter to spring.

栽培：全日照通風環境下可生長良好，日照充足時可促進開花。為了防止爛根等情形，需採用排水透氣的介質。久旱會造成落葉，須注意適時澆水。冬季落葉前葉色會變紅，是最具觀賞價值的時期。落葉後可進行強剪，促進來春發出強健的新枝。

The plant likes full sun and good ventilation. Sufficient sun exposure can promote flowering. Planted in draining and breathable soil to avoid root rotting. Extended drought may cause defoliation so frequent watering is essential.The leaves turn red before winter defoliation period, which is the best timing to enjoy the ornamental leaves. Perform extensive pruning after defoliation to facilitate the emergence of healthy new shoots in the coming spring.

葉色美麗，生長強健，常作為庭園灌木使用，具有豐富顏色和低維護管理的特點。汁液有毒，修剪時要注意勿沾到口、眼。

With beautiful leaf color and hardiness, the plant is often used as garden shrubs for the advantages of rich colors and low maintenance needs. Keep the poisonous latex away from eyes and mouth when pruning.