Croton texensis aka Texas Croton

Croton texensis is native to the central and southwestern United States, with a range spanning Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, and extending into northern Mexico. It typically inhabits sandy, dry, and disturbed sites including roadsides, fields, ditch banks, dry washes, and arroyos at elevations between 500 and 7,000 feet.

Croton texensis is dioecious — male and female flowers are borne on separate plants. Flowers are small and petals are absent. Male flowers cluster in leaf axils and bear 8–12 stamens; female flowers have three many-branched styles and develop into three-chambered seed capsules. The plant blooms from May through November.

Among the Zuni, a decoction of Croton texensis was taken for upset stomach, as a purgative, and as a diuretic; an infusion addressed stomachaches and infections. The root was chewed by healers before treating snakebites, with a poultice applied to the wound. The Hopi used the plant as an emetic and eyewash, and various other tribal groups employed it for gastrointestinal relief.

The Zuni reportedly placed the whole plant under mattresses or burned it to repel bedbugs. No significant commercial or industrial uses are documented in available sources.

Croton texensis is an annual herb that reproduces from seed. Seeds are enclosed in small three-chambered capsules (4–6 mm), with 1–3 seeds per capsule measuring approximately 4 mm each. As a native annual of dry, disturbed habitats, it self-seeds readily where conditions are suitable.

Croton texensis is a native annual of dry, sandy, disturbed habitats across the central and southwestern United States. It is not typically cultivated as an ornamental or garden plant, but grows naturally along roadsides, in fields, and in dry washes at elevations between 500 and 7,000 feet. It is adapted to xeric conditions and full sun in its native range.

Croton texensis is dioecious, requiring separate male and female plants to set seed. Pollination is presumed to be primarily by wind, consistent with its small, apetalous flowers that lack nectaries or other typical insect-attracting features.

ITIS recognizes two infraspecific varieties — Croton texensis var. texensis and Croton texensis var. utahensis — though both are listed as not accepted (i.e., the species is treated as a single undivided taxon). Several synonyms are on record including Croton virens, Croton muricatus, and Hendecandra texensis.

New growth will sprout from the top of the Texas Croton as it grows vertically.

Texas Croton should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Texas Croton loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Texas Croton requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Doveweed is always in the right place to thrive.

The Texas Croton should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.