James H. Schutte
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name
EUPHORBIA antisyphilitica
Plant Common Name
Candelilla
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
This fine textured succulent thrives in the world’s driest places, offering a unique component to desert landscape design. While the majority of Euphorbia species are native to southern Africa, this is a rare example of a New World plant. Its range is limited, from Texas south into Mexico, preferring rises and low foothill locations where soils are poor and drainage is extreme. The plant is composed of slender pale green stems narrower in diameter than a pencil, growing knee high. These stems stand like a dense mass with tiny leaves produced only on the new growth, then these soon become drought deciduous. Over time a single individual can spread into a large colony by underground rhizomes. In Mexico it is known as candelilla due to the waxy coating on the stems that is harvested to make candles in rural areas.
Candelilla is among the desert plants that flower immediately after rain events in the warm season. This is due to isolated monsoonal thunderstorms that occur during the summer in its dry habitat. Just after rainfall, tiny pink and white flowers bloom in clusters along the stem tips. They may rebloom numerous times over a long season to exploit rare moisture events. This plant is not cold hardy, which limits its use further north and at higher elevations of the intermountain West. It is an exceptional choice for low desert gardens with other extremely heat and drought resistant plants. Elsewhere, it has proven a beautiful accent plant for well drained clay pots that may be moved to protection in winter.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Very Slow
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Clump-Forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Color
White, Light Pink
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Fine
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
