How much sun does Cortes Croton need?

Cortes Croton grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Cortes Croton bloom?

Cortes Croton blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Cortes Croton native?

Cortes Croton (Croton cortesianus) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Cortes Croton attract?

Cortes Croton draws butterflies and bees.

Is Cortes Croton HOA-friendly?

Cortes Croton takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Cortes Croton

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Croton cortesianus

Last reviewed: September 2026

Toxicity unknown

Cortes Croton (Croton cortesianus) 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

36"–72" H × 24"–48" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

Pollinators

butterflies, bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain

Cortes Croton is a Texas native shrub that produces small, inconspicuous flowers from spring through fall. This drought-tolerant plant grows in a rounded form and sheds its leaves in winter, revealing an interesting branching structure.

In an HOA neighborhood

Cortes Croton takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar for butterflies and bees during its extended blooming period from March through November. The flowers support a variety of native pollinators throughout most of the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Cortes Croton need?: Cortes Croton grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Cortes Croton bloom?: Cortes Croton blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Cortes Croton native?: Cortes Croton (Croton cortesianus) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Cortes Croton attract?: Cortes Croton draws butterflies and bees.
Is Cortes Croton HOA-friendly?: Cortes 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.

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