Texabama Croton

Texabama Croton, Croton alabamensis var. texensis

A variety of Alabama croton, a semi-evergreen shrub once thought to be endemic to only three counties in Alabama and Tennessee, Texabama croton was discovered in 1989 in three Texas counties. The main difference between the variations are the pigmentation of the scales. With preference for limestone and loamy clay soils, and rocky slopes, Texabama croton is found in Central Texas canyons. It can grow between 1.8 to 3.7 m (6 to 12 ft) in part shade. Texabama croton blooms yellow flowers as early as February and as late as October. In autumn, the foliage turns a bright orange with a copper scaling on the lower surface.