California croton
Croton californicus
Last reviewed: November 2026
California croton (Croton californicus) is a perennial shrub native to AZ, CA, NV, UT. It blooms in April, May, June, and July. The flowers draw native bees and flies.
Watering reminders and freeze alerts for California croton, free in the app.
Toxicity unknown
California croton (Croton californicus) 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
full sun
Water
low
Size
18"–36" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, NV, UT
Pollinators
native bees, flies
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 461 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A low, rounded subshrub with soft, silvery-gray foliage and inconspicuous greenish flower spikes. It grows in coastal dunes and sandy scrub, forming loose colonies from spreading roots.
Growing California croton
Grow California croton in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
California croton takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Looks bare and weedy when dormant in winter
- Fast growth can appear uncontrolled without regular pruning
- May be confused with less desirable weedy species
Wildlife value
Its foliage provides food for a range of specialist insects and its flowers offer minor nectar for small bees and flies.
Common questions
- How much sun does California croton need?
- California croton grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does California croton bloom?
- California croton blooms in April, May, June, and July.
- Where is California croton native?
- California croton (Croton californicus) is native to AZ, CA, NV, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does California croton attract?
- California croton draws native bees and flies.
- Is California croton HOA-friendly?
- California croton takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow California croton? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.