Candelilla
Euphorbia antisyphilitica
Last reviewed: August 2026
Candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) is a perennial succulent native to TX, NM. It blooms in March, April, May, September, and October. The flowers draw bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
Toxicity unknown
Candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
18"–36" H × 18"–36" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct
Native to
TX, NM
Pollinators
bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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A distinctive succulent forming a dense clump of slender, upright, pencil-like blue-green stems coated in a natural wax. It is essentially leafless, photosynthesizing through the stems, with tiny pinkish-white flowers appearing along them after rains. The sculptural, fine-textured form stays compact and tidy, making it a striking low-water accent in gravel beds and containers.
Growing Candelilla
Grow Candelilla in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Candelilla is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
Small waxy-stemmed flowers provide nectar for native bees and other small pollinators.
Common questions
- How much sun does Candelilla need?
- Candelilla grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Candelilla bloom?
- Candelilla blooms in March, April, May, September, and October.
- Where is Candelilla native?
- Candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) is native to TX, NM, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Candelilla attract?
- Candelilla draws bees.
- Is Candelilla HOA-friendly?
- Candelilla is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Candelilla? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz