Plant is dioecious, unbranched at the base, much branched at the crown. Main stem is commonly brown or yellow; the tops of the leaves are green. Plant can be weedy or invasive. It is a larval host and/or nectar source for the Goatweed Leafwing butterfly.
Yellowish-green herbage distinguishes this from other Croton sp. which have more gray-green herbage and are rare in Yavapai county.
Habitat
Limestone soils, sandy loam soils and loose sands. Generally associated with soil disturbance, lack of soil cover or overgrazing.
Flower Characteristics
The flowers are arranged in clusters on spikes at the ends of the stems.
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Yellowish-green leaves may be lighter on top and darker beneath. Leaves have an aroma when crushed. The main stem is commonly brown or yellow. Leaf shape varies.
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
The fruit is a capsule divided into 3 segments supporting 3 individual seeds.
Seeds are very valuable to dove, quail and other seed-eating birds but have low value for livestock grazing.