Euphorbia antisyphilitica, commonly known as Candelilla, is an evergreen perennial subshrub or herb native to the Chihuahuan Desert and semi-desert regions of northern Mexico, New Mexico, and Texas. It is a member of the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. Candelilla typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) with a similar spread. Its appearance is characterized by densely clustered, erect, essentially leafless stems that are covered in a waxy coating, which helps to minimize water loss through transpiration. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are not particularly showy.

Candelilla wax, extracted from the stems, is valued for various industrial applications, including cosmetics and food additives. In the landscape, Candelilla is appreciated for its drought tolerance and unique form, making it suitable for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a median planting in arid urban environments like Phoenix or Tucson. It is also effective in containers. While not a traditional butterfly plant, it does attract butterflies and is cold-tolerant to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It is generally pest-resistant, adding to its ease of maintenance. For optimal growth, Candelilla requires full sun to part shade and thrives in well-drained soils, tolerating some clay or limestone.CC BY-SA 4.0