SafePlants

Roadside Croton (Croton trinitatis)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family, some of which are known to have a milky sap.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Croton trinitatis Millsp.
• Common Name: Roadside Croton
• Other Common Names: tooth-leaf croton (English), yerba di kareta (Papiamentu)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Euphorbiaceae
• Taxonomic Serial Number: 28302 (ITIS)
• Synonyms: None explicitly mentioned, but the text refers to alternative names.

Distribution and Habitat

• The text indicates that Croton trinitatis is found in North, Central & South America.
• The common name "Roadside Croton" and mentions of roadside habitats suggest it is frequently found along roadsides.

Ecological Role

• The text mentions Croton bonplandianum as a common roadside and wasteland weed, suggesting that some Croton species can be weedy or invasive in certain environments.

Morphological Characteristics

• Croton pottsii, another species of Croton, is described as a perennial roadside herb with gray-green leaves and stems. The pistillate flowers lack petals, while the staminate flowers have small petals. This description provides some context to the broader characteristics of the Croton genus.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Larvae of *L. femoratus* were found in abundance on the roots of *Croton trinitatis*.

Further Information

• Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Croton trinitatis.