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Candelilla

Euphorbia antisyphilitica

true

1 gallon

Candelilla

In stock

2'x2'

Sizes:

Candelilla - Euphorbia antisyphilitica

Also known as: Wax Plant

Candelilla is a low, clumping, leafless succulent with slender blue-green waxy stems that grow upright in tight clusters. Native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Texas, New Mexico, and northern Mexico, it thrives in hot, arid environments and does especially well in rocky soils, full sun, and reflected heat. In desert gardens, it makes a great textural accent or background plant with its upright, candle-like form and fine, vertical lines.

The plant typically stays under 2 feet tall and wide, though it slowly spreads by underground stems to form dense mounds. What it lacks in flashy flowers it makes up for in structure and drought toughness. In late spring and early summer, tiny pink or white flowers appear along the stems. These flowers may be small, but they are nectar-rich and draw in native bees, making Candelilla more ecologically valuable than it first appears.

The common name “Candelilla” means “little candle,” referring to the waxy coating on the stems, which has historically been harvested to make candles, waterproofing agents, and even chewing gum. The wax also helps the plant retain moisture, making it incredibly drought-tolerant.

Candelilla requires well-draining soil, does best in full sun, and is highly tolerant of heat, cold, and neglect. It can handle light frost and survives in low desert landscapes with very little supplemental water once established. This is a low-maintenance plant that works well in containers, raised beds, or mass plantings for structure and rhythm in the garden.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Native solitary bees, including Perdita and Diadasia species; small wasps
Bird Resources: Insects; Shelter
Bird Species: Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps)

Plant Care

Native region:

Chihuahuan Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Partial Shade

Mature size:

2'x2'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Pink; White

Flower season:

Spring; Summer

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

15 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.