How much sun does Doveweed need?

Doveweed grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Doveweed bloom?

Doveweed blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Doveweed native?

Doveweed (Croton setigerus) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

Is Doveweed HOA-friendly?

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

Doveweed

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Croton setigerus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Doveweed (Croton setigerus) 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

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, ID, OR, WA

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 445 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

Coast Range Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Doveweed is a small annual wildflower that forms low, spreading clumps with narrow leaves and tiny inconspicuous flowers from May through August. This drought-tolerant native thrives in full sun locations and requires minimal water once established. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season and may self-seed in favorable conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Doveweed 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.

Very weedy appearance
Annual growth habit creates inconsistent coverage
Tiny flowers and sparse foliage look unkempt

Wildlife value

This plant provides habitat and food sources for small wildlife, though specific pollinator relationships are not well documented.

Common questions

How much sun does Doveweed need?: Doveweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Doveweed bloom?: Doveweed blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Doveweed native?: Doveweed (Croton setigerus) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Doveweed HOA-friendly?: Doveweed 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.

Ready to grow Doveweed? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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