Euphorbia antisyphilitica
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Euphorbia antisyphilitica is a densely clustered, upright perennial shrub that has erect, leafless stems covered in a protective gray wax to slow transpiration. A native of Mexico, this durable little plant can tolerate high heat and a few degrees of frost and is extremely drought-tolerant. Euphorbia antisyphilitica has a great looking grassy appearance; its unique vertical leafless growth habit makes it interesting in succulent and cactus gardens and provides an attractive contrast against a wall.
Euphorbia antisyphilitica has become a very popular median plant in Phoenix and Tucson because of its extreme drought-tolerance, durability and low maintenance.
Though not traditionally considered a “butterfly plant”, Euphorbia antisyphilitica’s small pink flowers still manage to attract butterflies.
Euphorbia antisyphilitica is a good choice for dry median strips and neglected xeriscape gardens as it can survive on rainfall alone in the southwestern United States. Euphorbia antisyphilitica is tolerant of alkaline soils and makes a trouble free low-maintenance container plant as well.
The white sap of Euphorbia antisyphilitica was historically used in Mexico to treat sexually-transmitted diseases. Like most Euphorbias, this sap can also be irritating to the skin. Candelilla wax from the plant was harvested commercially beginning in the early twentieth century, with demand greatly increasing during World Wars I and II.
Horticultural Data
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Names and Synonyms: Euphorbia antisyphilitica “Candelilla”
Common Names: Candelilla, Wax Plant
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Origin: Euphorbia antisyphilitica is native to the Trans-Pecos of Texas and southern New Mexico in the United States as well as Chihuahua, Coahuila, Hidalgo, and Querétaro in Mexico.
Size Label: 1 Gallon
Height: 1-3′
Width: 1-3′
Cold Tolerance: 10 to 15°F, -12.2 to -8.4°C
Heat Tolerance: Extreme heat tolerance
Light Requirement: Full sun to light shade and can take reflected light as well
Water needs: Very drought tolerant, needs no irrigation and can survive on rainfall in the Southwest
Maintenance: None
Uses: This plant is a good choice for dry median strips and neglected xeriscape gardens as it can survive on rainfall alone in the southwestern United States. Its unique vertical leafless growth habit makes it interesting in succulent and cactus gardens and a nice contrast against a wall. This euphorbia is tolerant of alkaline soils and makes a trouble free low-maintenance container plant as well.
Propagation: Easily propagated by root divisions
Problems: None
Research Links:
http://www.smgrowers.com/products/plants/plantdisplay.asp?plant_id=3366
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/69327/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Candelilla
http://www.finegardening.com/candelilla-euphorbia-antisyphilitica
Shipping & Availability
Description | Horticultural Data | Shipping & Availability | Top
There is a minimum purchase of any 4 plants for online orders. All plants shipped bare root. Other sizes may be available for pick up from our growing grounds in Fallbrook, CA. For more information, give us a call at 760-990-4762.
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