DIfference between Calendula and Calendilla

I get hits when I look this up that say I must have meant Calendula when I searched for Calendilla but I get a few hits on the latter. The flowers look similar and the uses are similar. Does anyone know if they are the same?

6 Likes

Sorry, had to double check after I posted…

I do not believe they are the same. Candelilla or calendilla (alternate spelling) is a Euphorbia in the spurge family and calendula is in the Asteraceae (daisy family).

Feature Calendula Calendilla (aka Candelilla)
Scientific Name Calendula officinalis Euphorbia antisyphilitica
Common Names Calendula, pot marigold, garden marigold Candelilla, calendilla (alternate spelling)
Plant Family Asteraceae (daisy family) Euphorbiaceae (spurge family)
Native Region Europe and Mediterranean Northern Mexico and southwestern U.S.
Appearance Bright yellow/orange daisy-like flowers Small shrub with slender, waxy gray-green stems
Primary Use Herbal medicine, skincare, teas, tinctures Wax production (candelilla wax for cosmetics)
Part Used Flower petals Stems (for extracting wax)
Properties Anti-inflammatory, healing, soothing Emollient, thickening agent in products
Toxicity Generally safe for topical and internal use Not edible; some species in Euphorbia are toxic if ingested

I found that Google tried to autocorrect candelilla and assumes I meant calendula :woman_shrugging: FWIW

10 Likes

Ahhh! A great answer from my favorite Green Witch! I was hoping they were the same since I could get the Calendilla in potted form right now. Even if I killed it I could still dry the remains. :rofl:

It looks like, at least around here, I am going to have to use seeds if I want it.

8 Likes

I honestly had to triple check the info :laughing:. I know calendula but calendilla was only vaguely familiar. I wonder how many plants you need to harvest calendilla wax? :thinking:

7 Likes

After I read the different product descriptions I wondered that, too. Then I shook my head a bit… it can be purchased for a small cost so, if I need it (not just want it), I think I would go that route. Still, it would be fun to mess around with it.

Oh… and I found a source for a pound of dried Calendula flowers at a reasonable cost so I ordered it. I figure it is only 15.5 ounces more than I need. :rofl:

7 Likes

To be honest, I did the same thing. I’m still trying to grow 3 plants let alone enough to use in salves :laughing: I will get at least one plant to flower this year!

5 Likes