California Croton
Croton californicus
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
iNaturalist: © andreacala (iNaturalist #100598675)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Euphorbiaceae
- Genus:
- Croton
- Species:
- Croton californicus
- USDA Symbol:
- CRCA5
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 100 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, cream
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Anacampsis lacteusochrella, California Tussock Moth (Leptarctia californiae), Schinia citrinellus
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Ceratina arizonensis
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from root crown following fire; common in fire-prone desert scrub and coastal sage communities.
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
Propagation & Germination
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