How much sun does Bush Croton need?

Bush Croton grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Bush Croton bloom?

Bush Croton blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Bush Croton native?

Bush Croton (Croton fruticulosus) is native to AZ, NM, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Bush Croton attract?

Bush Croton draws butterflies, bees, and nectar insects.

Is Bush Croton HOA-friendly?

Bush Croton is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Bush Croton

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Croton fruticulosus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Toxicity unknown

Bush Croton (Croton fruticulosus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, NM, TX

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, nectar insects

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Bush Croton.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies Madrean Archipelago

Bush Croton is a compact native perennial that forms a neat, rounded shrub with small silvery-green leaves. It produces clusters of tiny greenish flowers from March through May and requires minimal water once established. This drought-tolerant plant maintains a tidy appearance throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bush Croton is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

Bush Croton attracts butterflies, bees, and other nectar-feeding insects during its spring blooming period. The seeds also provide food for birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Bush Croton need?: Bush Croton grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Bush Croton bloom?: Bush Croton blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Bush Croton native?: Bush Croton (Croton fruticulosus) is native to AZ, NM, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Bush Croton attract?: Bush Croton draws butterflies, bees, and nectar insects.
Is Bush Croton HOA-friendly?: Bush Croton is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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