Annual croton: One-seed croton
Croton monanthogynus Michx.
Euphorbiaceae (Spurge family)
Description
Of the 20 croton species occurring in Texas, nine are annuals. Annual crotons range in size from small to large and have star-shaped hairs or shield-shaped scales on at least some plant parts.
One-seed croton is a native, warm-season annual that is also commonly named prairie-tea. It can reach several inches to 18 inches tall, depending on moisture conditions.
The plant has a taproot, many wide branches, and stems that are usually a peachy-pink-orange color. Although most members of this plant family have a three-seeded capsule or fruit, the one-seed croton has a capsule with only one seed.
One-seed croton produces many seeds for seed-eating birds but is seldom grazed by livestock.
Habitat
These annual plants usually grow most abundantly where there is soil disturbance, lack of soil cover or overgrazing. One-seed croton occurs in abundance on calcareous soils.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Flower Color: White
Seed Type: Bean/Pod
Duration: Annual
Stem Texture: Hairless/Smooth
Growth Habit: Forbs/Broadleaf
Leaf Shape
: Simple with Pinnate or Parallel Venation
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 01 - Pineywoods, 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 03 - Post Oak Savannah, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Brush and Weeds of Texas Rangelands (B-6208)
Collection: Brush and Weeds
