Candelilla. Euphorbia antisyphilitica, Spurge Family ( Euphorbiaceae ), Candelilla. We wish to thank Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for some of the information on this page. We share images and information with Wikipedia. Candelilla has clusters of thin, upright, pencil-like stems. It is considered to be an evergreen shrub which grows to 3 feet tall, with a spread of about 4 feet. The flowers are small, pinkish in the center, becoming cream color farther out. Candelilla flowers occur in clusters on the stems. Candelilla stems are covered with a very high quality wax that, when extracted by boiling, has been used for candles, soap, ointments, floor polish and waterproofing, among other uses. They are harvested in Mexico for the wax. It takes little water. It is frost sensitive. The sap may be irritating. Candelilla means "little candle", referring to the appearance of it's stems; the species name comes from the common folk lore that the plant is effective for the treatment of venereal disease. Can take full sun in Phoenix or Tucson but appreciates afternoon shade. Quick Notes: Height: Up to 3 feet tall. Spreads about 4 feet. Flowers: Its flowers, are small, pinkish in the center, becoming cream color farther out. Flowering Time: Phoenix Arizona, Mid February. Leaves: The leaves are small and they drop so early in the year that they are rarely seen. Found: Native to the USA (NM, TX). Also found in Northern Mexico in northern Chihuahua, & Coahuila. Native to the Chihauhaun Desert in Big Bend, with a few populations in the Rio Grande Plains, and South into Mexico. Hardiness: USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 �C (10 �F) USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 �C (15 �F) USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 �C (20 �F) USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 �C (25 �F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 �C (30 �F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 �C (35 �F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 �C (40 �F) Soil pH requirements: 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline) Sun Exposure: Full Sun Sun to Partial Shade Light Shade Elevation: 0 - 2,500 Feet. In Arizona. Habitat: It grows well in sand, sandy loam, clay and other heavy soils. It needs good drainage and aeration. It is remarkably tolerant of alkali. Miscellaneous: Maintenance: Low. Photos Taken; Arrowhead Ranch, Glendale, Arizona. March 10, 2006.

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