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Croton cascarilla
Croton cascarilla (L.) L.
Pineland Croton, Grannybush, Narrowleaf Croton, Woolly Croton
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge Family)
Synonym(s): Croton linearis
USDA Symbol: CRCA29
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Pineland Croton is a small usually evergreen shrub with wiry, often rust-colored stems to about 3 feet in height. It is a constituent species of the pine rocklands of South Florida, including the Keys. Its population has declined due to encroaching development of its habitat.
Though now considered a synonym, Pineland Croton is often found listed as Croton linearis.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Cordate , Linear
Leaf Texture: Leathery
Inflorescence: Raceme
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: To about 3 feet in height and width.
Leaf: Leaves are 3-4 inches long, narrow, dark green above and silvery below.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: Jan , Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov , Dec
Bloom Notes: Flowers any time year-round.
Distribution
USA: FLNative Distribution: South Florida and the West Indies.
Native Habitat: Pine rocklands, scrublands and thickets on sandy or well-drained calcareous soils.
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Alkaline (pH>7.2)
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Drought Tolerance: High
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Thrives in poor, sandy soils or calcareous marl. Does not tolerate wet soil or soil with significant amounts of organic matter. Also intolerant to high soil salt levels.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Attractive shrub that works as an accent plant or as low hedge.Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Larval host for Strymon acis, Bartram's Scrub Hairstreak butterfly and Anaea troglodyta floridalis, Florida Leafwing butterfly.
Additional resources
USDA: Find Croton cascarilla in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Croton cascarilla in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Croton cascarilla
Metadata
Record Modified: 2016-07-08Research By: Joseph A. Marcus