SafePlants

Desert Candle

The term "Desert Candle" refers to several different plants, as illustrated by the information below.

Caulanthus inflatus

• Common Name: Desert Candle, Squaw Cabbage
• Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)

Caulanthus inflatus, also known as Desert Candle, is a flowering plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family. The plant is native to the Mojave Desert of California and Nevada.

• Found in the San Joaquin Valley, Inner South Coast Ranges, northern Western Transverse Ranges (uncommon in preceding), and southwestern Mojave Desert.

• Erect, unbranched, glabrous annual (sometimes slightly hirsute at the base).
• Conspicuously inflated or swollen stem.
• Stout, swollen, yellow-green stem resembling a yellow candle, sometimes branched.

• Synonym: Caulanthus inflatus S. Watson

• The waxy epidermis helps it conserve water in its desert habitat.

Eremurus Species (Foxtail Lily)

• Common Names: Foxtail Lily, Desert Candle, King's Spear, Himalayan Desert Candle, Himalayan Foxtail Lily
• Family: (based on included common names and search results) Asphodelaceae

The term "Desert Candle" also refers to plants in the genus Eremurus, commonly known as Foxtail Lilies.

• Native to the steppes of Central Asia.

• Desert Candles (Eremurus) are bulbs that can add visual interest to late spring borders.

• Eremurus Robustus (Giant Desert Candle)
• Eremurus Shelford Hybrids
• Eremurus Cleopatra

Yucca

• Common Names: Spoonleaf Yucca, Adam's needle, Desert Candle, Needle Palm, St. Peter's Palm, Spanish Bayonet
• Family: Agavaceae

Yucca is also referred to as Desert Candle in some instances

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Some plants referred to as "Desert Candle", like Yucca, have sharp edges or spines.

Quirky Facts

• In the culture of the Chihuahuan Desert, the waxy epidermis of Caulanthus inflatus has been an important element.