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California croton
Scientific Name: Croton californicus var. tenuis
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Subshrub, Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
California Croton (Croton californicus)
Croton californicus, commonly known as California croton or Desert Croton, is a plant found in western North America.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant produces a sap, as it belongs to the Spurge family (Euphorbiaceae).
- It grows to a height of 1 to 5 feet, potentially making it accessible to pets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Croton californicus Muell.-Arg.
- Common Names: California Croton, Desert Croton
- Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
- Genus: Croton L.
- Synonyms: Croton californicus var. longipes (M.E. Jones) A.M. Ferguson.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to: California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Baja California.
- Also found outside of California but confined to western North America.
- Grows in sandy areas, including near the beach, and amidst oak woodlands.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- A perennial herb that can grow to a height of 1 to 5 feet.
- Foliage type is stress-deciduous.
- Has small, inconspicuous flowers. Male and female flowers occur on the same plant.
- Habit is described as ascending or erect, sometimes low and sprawling.
Flowering Season
- Blooms for much of the year, typically from March to November.
Quirky Facts
- There are individuals in Southern California, known as "Crotonheads", who cultivate crotons in their gardens.
Further Information
- Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Croton californicus.
- California Native Plant Society resources are available to identify plants native to specific locations in California.