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Native Plant Society of Texas

Bush Croton

Croton fruticulosus

Other common name(s):

Shrubby Croton, Hierba Loca

Family:

Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau
Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands, Chihuahuan Montane Woodlands, Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
3
ft.

Spread

1
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Limestone, Caliche, Calcareous, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Green

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Fall Color, Seeds, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Birds, Nectar Insects, Bees

Maintenance

This is a good shrub for shady spots in the garden, but more light will give greener leaves. Drought tolerant. Too much water can cause root rot, but too little water can dry out the plant. May be pruned but However, you should avoid trimming off more than a third of a stem’s length in one session. Native habitat: limestone hills, bluffs, canyons, or rocky ravines. Highly deer resistant. Propagation: UK

Comments

Blooms April-May. Tiny, white flowers grow at the end of branchlets. The stems are slender and smooth with grayish green, densely hairy leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The fruit is a 3-lobed capsule that is also slightly hairy. The seeds are of special interest to dove and quail.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Make the Cut: Use clean, sharp scissors to cut just below a leaf node. Prepare the Cutting: Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a couple at the top. Rooting Hormone (Optional): Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage faster root growth. Plant the Cutting: Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, burying it about an inch deep. Water and Cover: Water the cutting lightly and cover it with a plastic bag or a clear container to maintain humidity. Wait for Roots: Keep the cutting in bright, indirect light and check for roots in about 4-6 weeks. Choose a healthy stem from the parent plant that is at least 4-6 inches long. https://greg.app/bush-croton-overview/#:~:text=Propagating%20with%20Cuttings,in%20about%204%2D6%20weeks.
Seed No Treatment Soil Preparation: Use a well-draining potting mix in a seed tray or small pots. Sowing Seeds: Scatter the seeds on the surface and lightly press them into the soil. Watering: Mist the soil gently to moisten it without over-saturating. Light and Temperature: Place the tray in a warm area with bright, indirect light. Germination Time: Expect germination to occur within 2-4 weeks, depending on conditions. Obtain fresh seeds from a reliable source. https://greg.app/bush-croton-overview/#:~:text=Propagating%20with%20Cuttings,in%20about%204%2D6%20weeks.
Semi-harwood Cutting Essential for taking clean, precise cuttings from bush croton. Sharp shears minimize damage to mother plant tissues and cutting stems, promoting quick healing and reducing the risk of infection. Important for encouraging root development on cuttings of bush croton. Rooting hormones can increase the success rate of cuttings by stimulating root growth, essential for the propagation process. Facilitate the organization and protection of cuttings during the rooting phase. Trays with cell inserts help maintain optimal spacing and proper drainage, preventing rot and promoting healthy root development in bush croton. Crucial for maintaining high humidity levels around bush croton cuttings. This tool helps prevent dehydration and allows the cuttings to focus energy on root production rather than water uptake. Used to maintain consistent moisture levels around bush croton cuttings without over-saturating the growing medium. Misting ensures proper hydration, which is crucial for successful root initiation. Collect spring or summer. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Croton_fruticulosus.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason