And where was this friend traveling? (Meaning, where is the plant from?) There are a couple (that I know of) plants that are called Candle tree. Neither of them are likely to be hardy in your area, but let's try to narrow it down for certain.

Hey There:

If your are refering to Casia Alata, unless we have a
harsh Winter, it should do all right, if provided with
a layer of Pine Straw or some other mulch. It will die
to the ground but comeback next Spring. It is like Brugs
if they are mulched well , and we don't have a bad Winter they will come up the next year and reach 8 feet or more.