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Texas Goatweed

Croton capitatus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Texas Goatweed (Croton capitatus)
Photo: EamonnPKeane at English Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Texas Goatweed (Croton capitatus) 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

24"–36" H × 3"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, GA, IA and 21 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, butterflies

Before you buy

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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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal Plain

Woolly croton is a soft-textured annual wildflower with silvery-green foliage and small, inconspicuous flowers. This drought-tolerant prairie native thrives in sunny locations and provides consistent summer color through its attractive fuzzy leaves.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Texas Goatweed 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.

  • Has a weedy, informal appearance
  • Self-seeds unpredictably
  • May be mistaken for an unwanted weed by neighbors

Wildlife value

The long blooming period from June through September provides nectar for bees and beetles. Seeds also feed birds later in the season.

Common questions

How much sun does Texas Goatweed need?
Texas Goatweed grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Texas Goatweed bloom?
Texas Goatweed blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Texas Goatweed native?
Texas Goatweed (Croton capitatus) is native to AL, AR, GA, IA and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Texas Goatweed attract?
Texas Goatweed draws bees, beetles, and butterflies.
Is Texas Goatweed HOA-friendly?
Texas Goatweed 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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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