Skip to main content

Extension

Common Name: Croton
Species Name: Croton spp
Plant Type: Forb
Family Name: Euphorbiaceae, Spurge Family

 
Plant Facts
OriginNative
DurationAnnual
Distribution in the U.S.From the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Utah south to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and northern Mexico
Distribution in OklahomaWestern half of the state

ID Characteristics

  • Field Identification Characteristics

    Vegetative

    • 1 or 2 leaves at each branching of stem
    • Leaves coated in rough, fuzzy texture; shape is oblong and elliptical
    • No branching below, wide and sometimes numerous branches above

     Floral

    • Flower heads generally noticeable and white
  • Leaf and Stem Characteristics
    • Leaf Type: Simple 
    • Leaf Arrangement: Alternate but whorled just below inflorescences 
    • Leaf Shape: Lanceolate
    • Stipules: Present
  • Floral Characteristics
    • Petal Number: Absent
    • Flower Timing: June-October 
    • Fruit Type: Capsular schizocarps
   
Habitat/Ecology
Soil TypeSandy and sandy-loam soils
HabitatPrairies and shrublands
Successional StageEarly