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hogwort
Scientific Name: Croton capitatus var. capitatus
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Annual
Other Names:
Hogwort (Croton capitatus)
Croton capitatus, commonly known as hogwort, woolly croton, goatweed, or doveweed, is an annual plant often found in disturbed areas.
Considerations for Pets
- The plant is densely covered with whitish hairs, which may be irritating to some animals.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Croton capitatus Michx.
- Common Names: Hogwort, Woolly Croton, Goatweed, Doveweed, Hogweed
- Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
- Synonyms: Heptalon graveolens (formerly)
- USDA Symbol: CRCA6
- Subspecies: Croton capitatus var. capitatus, Croton capitatus Michx. var. lindheimeri (Engelm. & Gray) Muell. Arg.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to North America.
- Found in the southeastern U.S.
- Commonly found in pastures, prairies, ditches, and roadsides.
- Also found in disturbed ground such as construction areas or gardens.
- Distribution includes New Jersey.
- Present in Canada, but its origin there is unknown/undetermined.
Morphological Characteristics
- Annual plant with erect, branched stems.
- Densely covered with light brown, woolly hairs, giving it a whitish appearance.
- Usually less than 18 inches tall.
Ecological Role
- Sometimes considered a weed.
- Serves as a host plant for the Goatweed Leafwing butterfly.
Quirky Facts
- J.K. Rowling speculated that the name "Hogwarts" for the school in the Harry Potter series may have been subconsciously inspired by the hogwort plant she saw at Kew Gardens.
Further Information
- Dave's Garden: A community that shares gardening tips and ideas.
- USDA Plants Database: Contains information on the plant's native status.
- TERMIUM: Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank.