Euphorbia antisphyllitica

Candelilla is a low-growing shrub that has clusters of thin, upright, bluish-green, pencil-like stems that grow in clumps to about three feet. The small, pinkish-white flowers occur in clusters on mostly leafless stems in spring through early summer. The common name of this plant means “little candle” because the stems are covered with a waxy substance. It suits raised planters, narrow planting strips, and small rock gardens. It can be planted alongside other low-water plants and succulents as an accent. This plant is native to the Trans-Pecos area of southwestern Texas and the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico, growing in Durango, Chihuahua, and Coahuila.

It is a moderate grower that thrives in full sun with plenty of reflected heat. Once established, this succulent needs little water but benefits from occasional irrigation during the hot, dry summer. If the plant becomes scraggly, prune it heavily to the ground to hasten new growth.

A high-grade wax is produced by boiling the plant in large vats, a process seen on the Mexican side of the Rio Grande. The wax has many uses, including making candles, soap, ointments, sealing wax, phonograph records, insulation material, shoe polish, floor polish, waterproofing, and lubricants.

BONAP MAP

Height: 1’-3’
Spread: 1’-3’
Bloom: Year Round
Light: Full Sun
Water: Low
Zone: 8, 9, 10
Origin: Texas, New Mexico, Mexico