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?
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 FWIW
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.
It looks like, at least around here, I am going to have to use seeds if I want it.
I honestly had to triple check the info . I know calendula but calendilla was only vaguely familiar. I wonder how many plants you need to harvest calendilla wax?
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.
To be honest, I did the same thing. I’m still trying to grow 3 plants let alone enough to use in salves I will get at least one plant to flower this year!