How much sun does Tropic Croton need?

Tropic Croton grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Tropic Croton bloom?

Tropic Croton blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Tropic Croton native?

Tropic Croton (Croton glandulosus) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 25 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Tropic Croton attract?

Tropic Croton draws bees and beetles.

Is Tropic Croton HOA-friendly?

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

Tropic Croton

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

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

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Tropic Croton need?: Tropic Croton grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Tropic Croton bloom?: Tropic Croton blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Tropic Croton native?: Tropic Croton (Croton glandulosus) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 25 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Tropic Croton attract?: Tropic Croton draws bees and beetles.
Is Tropic Croton HOA-friendly?: Tropic 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 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 Tropic Croton? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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