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Woolly Croton

Croton capitatus

Last reviewed: August 2026

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

Toxicity unknown

Woolly Croton (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

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, DE, GA and 22 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 452 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.

In an HOA neighborhood

Woolly 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.

  • 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 Woolly Croton need?
Woolly Croton grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Woolly Croton bloom?
Woolly Croton blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Woolly Croton native?
Woolly Croton (Croton capitatus) is native to AL, AR, DE, GA and 22 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Woolly Croton attract?
Woolly Croton draws bees and beetles.
Is Woolly Croton HOA-friendly?
Woolly 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 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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