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| Texabama Croton, Alabama Croton Croton alabamensis var. texensis Euphorbiaceae Alabama croton was once believed to be endemic (native only to a single area) to only three counties in Alabama and Tennessee, until in 1989 populations were found in Texas. The Texas variety, var. texensis, endemic to Coryell, Bell and Johnson Counties, has been dubbed Texabama croton, and the Alabama variety, var. alabamensis, is called Alabama croton. In Texas it grows on limestone slopes, in forest understories, or in full sun. Its evergreen leaves are apple green with shimmering, silvery undersides, due to silvery scales that are also found on the petioles and twigs, and the older leaves turn orange in the fall. Pale yellow-green blooms appear on 1 to 1 1/2" racemes in the spring. It is an unusual, handsome shrub, useful as a specimen or in mass plantings. Plant it in semi-shade in well-drained soil amended with some organic matter. Croton alabamensis is listed as G3, or globally vulnerable, due to its restricted range, and var. texensis is listed on the endangered watch list. Plant Habit or Use: medium shrub
Exposure: sun Flower Color: greenish-yellow Blooming Period: spring Fruit Characteristics: drupe Height: to 9 feet Width: to 6 feet
Plant Character: deciduous Heat Tolerance: high Water Requirements:
Soil Requirements: alkaline Additional Comments:
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