Tropic Croton
Croton glandulosus
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
8"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, DE, FL and 25 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Tropic croton is a small annual wildflower with inconspicuous greenish flowers and soft, hairy leaves. This compact plant thrives in sunny, dry conditions and provides consistent summer blooms from June through September.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tropic 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.
- Very weedy appearance with inconspicuous flowers
- Dies back completely in fall leaving bare spots
- May be mistaken for unwanted weeds by neighbors
Wildlife value
The small flowers attract native bees and beetles throughout the growing season. As an annual, it provides nectar resources during the important summer months when pollinators are most active.
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.
Does Tropic Croton fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.