California croton

California croton grows up to 3′ tall & wide throughout its range (CA, NV, UT, AZ, and Baja).Native to coastal dunes, desert washes, and sandy areas, sporting silvery-grey foliage and small pale yellow to green cup-shaped blooms along the stems, attracting a variety of moths and butterflies.

CA croton is dioecious, having male and female flowers on separate plants. Host plant for two moths and likely supports the Soybean Looper moth, CA tiger moth, and Gray hairstreak butterfly. Pairs well with other dune species like Yellow Sand Verbena, Coastal CA Poppy, Alkali Heath, Yellow Bush Lupine, Seaside Daisy, and Beach Strawberry. CA croton does best in well-draining soil.

Lifeform: Perennial, Sub-Shrub

Sun: Full Sun

Water: Dry, Light

Soil: Rocky, Sand

Other: Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Drought Tolerant

Container	D-16
Ecological Value	Host to two species of moths, likely host to Soybean Looper moth, CA tiger moth, Gray hairstreak
Ethnobotanical Uses	Mashed and cooked stems and leaves were used by Cahuilla Native Americans as poultices for earaches; and tea from the stems and leaves is said by some to induce abortion.
Distribution	Coastal CA as far north as the Sacramento Delta, primarily found in southern CA, extending eastwards into AZ, NV, UT, and Baja.
Elevation	-191" – 6808"
Habitat	Coastal dunes, washes, and sandy places, including inland deserts.
Communities	Chaparral, Coastal Sage Scrub, Coastal Strand, Creosote Bush Scrub