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Texas croton

Scientific Name: Croton texensis

Family: Euphorbiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Annual

Other Names:

       

Texas Croton (Croton texensis)

Croton texensis, commonly known as Texas croton, is an annual plant found in the United States. Other common names include Doveweed and Skunk Weed.

Considerations for Pets

  • Croton texensis plants have a milky sap.
  • The plant has an aromatic smell when the leaves are crushed.

Considerations for Children

  • Croton texensis plants have a milky sap.
  • The plant has an aromatic smell when the leaves are crushed.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Croton texensis (Klotzsch) Mll. Arg.
  • Family: Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
  • Synonyms: Croton texensis (J. F. Klotzsch ) Muell. Arg.

Distribution and Habitat

Texas croton is native to a large portion of the southern, Plains, and Midwestern United States. It grows on sandy soils, particularly on the plains. It is not native to New England.

  • Frequently found in Texas, including locations such as Center - Midland, TX and Stengl Biological Research Station - Smithville, TX.
  • Also found in Russell County, Kansas.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Texas croton is an annual plant.
  • It typically grows to a height of 1 to 4 feet (8-32 inches), depending on moisture availability.
  • Male flowers and female flowers have stellate hairs.

Ecological Role

  • Texas croton is a valuable plant for wildlife, providing food for doves, quail, and turkeys.
  • It serves as a host plant for the goatweed leafwing butterfly and tropical leafwing butterfly.

Quirky Facts

  • The Zuni people traditionally used a decoction of the plant.
  • There is a town in Texas named Croton.
  • Texas croton is sometimes called "goatweed."

Further Resources

  • Discover Life: Offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Croton texensis.
  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database: Contains photos and information about Croton texensis.
  • Dave's Garden: A community platform for sharing gardening tips and plant information.
  • Shinners & Mahler's Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas: A comprehensive flora that may provide further details on Croton texensis.