Candelilla

Euphorbia antisyphilitica Zucc.

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

leaves, roots, sap, stems

Preparation

None known to make it safe. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling; wash skin after contact. If sap gets in the eyes or any part is eaten, call your poison center.

Hazard type

NC State (genus Euphorbia): milky white latex in all plant parts can cause mild to severe contact dermatitis. Toxic principle: diterpene esters in milky latex., NC State: sap in the eyes can cause temporary to permanent damage to the cornea., NC State: if eaten, blistering can occur on lips and oral mucosa.

Hazard route

skin, eyes, ingestion (milky sap; whole-genus source)

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

This is a whole-genus caution from one source, applied to E. antisyphilitica because all Euphorbia emit toxic latex per NC State.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: NC State's genus page says many Euphorbia are hardy only in zones 9 to 11 and need protection in colder climates (genus statement).
Water needs: low: NC State genus page says Euphorbia are known for drought tolerance and need well-drained soil, preferably cactus mix; let soil dry out between waterings as houseplants.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon