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Desert Croton

Croton californicus

Out of stock

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Full

Moderate

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Cream

Spring; Summer; Fall

None

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Rabbit resistant:

Desert or California Croton is a small perennial shrub found throughout southern California. It grows up to 3 feet tall and thrives in full sun with well-draining soil. This plant does not tolerate clay or soils with high organic matter.
The plant produces long oval-shaped leaves a few centimeters long and like many desert plants, it is covered in a light-colored coat of hairs giving it that grayish tint. This species is dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are produced on separate plants. The small inconspicuous flowers appear in clusters and can bloom year round.
This plant is native to California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Baja California, below 4000 feet where it grows in the deserts and along the coastline. Locally we find it in sandy washes and creosote scrub.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.