Candlewood
Erithalis fruticosa
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Candlewood (Erithalis fruticosa) 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
60"–180" H × 48"–96" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
FL
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A dense, rounded evergreen shrub with thick glossy dark leaves and small clusters of star-shaped white flowers, followed by shiny black berries. Naturally compact and neat in coastal rock and hammock habitats, tolerant of salt spray.
Wildlife value
A long bloom season provides steady nectar for bees and butterflies, and the berries are eaten by land birds and shorebirds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Candlewood need?
- Candlewood grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Candlewood bloom?
- Candlewood blooms in April, May, June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Candlewood native?
- Candlewood (Erithalis fruticosa) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Candlewood attract?
- Candlewood draws bees and butterflies.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Candlewood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz