Doveweed
Croton setigerus
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, ID, OR, WA
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz