California Croton
Croton californicus
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae
- Genus:
- Croton
- Species:
- Croton californicus
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 4-6 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- feb, mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug, sep, oct
- Bloom Colors:
- White
- Evergreen Shrub:
- Yes
Native Range
United States: Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Anacampsis lacteusochrella, California Tussock Moth (Leptarctia californiae), Schinia citrinellus
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- adapted to coastal and desert environments
Germination Information
Pre-treatment: Soak seeds for 24 hours in water and cold stratify for 30 days
Establishment: Seeds are collected between July 15th and November 17th. Mature seeds are brown with tan spots. C. californicus is found in dry sandy places and washes below 4,000 feet elevation; from San Francisco south to Lower California.
Source: npn.rngr.net