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Desert Croton

Croton californicus

false

1 gallon

Plant Care

Desert Croton

Out of stock

Sizes:

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Full

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Cream

Flower season:

Spring; Summer; Fall

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Bats:

Birds:

Nest site:

Desert Croton – Croton californicus
Also known as: California Croton

Desert Croton is a hardy, low-growing perennial shrub native to the deserts and coastal scrublands of California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Baja California. Typically reaching up to 3 feet in height, it thrives in full sun and well-draining soils, including sandy washes and creosote bush scrub. It is especially intolerant of heavy clay or organically rich soils, preferring dry, nutrient-poor conditions.

The plant features long, narrow, oval-shaped leaves covered with dense, fine hairs that give the foliage a silvery-gray cast—an adaptive feature for reflecting sunlight and conserving moisture in harsh desert conditions. Croton californicus is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. The small, inconspicuous flowers appear in clusters and may bloom intermittently throughout the year depending on rainfall and temperature.

Well adapted to the arid conditions of the Sonoran and Mojave deserts, Desert Croton plays an important ecological role in stabilizing soil and supporting native insect and animal life. Though often overlooked due to its modest flowers, it is a critical member of the desert understory and restoration plant palette.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: No verified butterfly or moth species, but anecdotal associations suggest potential importance to desert small mammals such as the Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys merriami) for cover or foraging in shared habitat.
Nectar Source: Not verified for butterflies; however, based on the small flower structure, it is reasonable to infer attraction of native bees, minute wasps, and other small pollinating insects.
Bird Resources: Shelter
Bird Species: —

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.