Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Turkey Mullein (Croton setigerus) is a squat plant with furry, feltlike, heart-shaped leaves that are pale gray green. The small green flowers are covered in soft bristles. It is about 8 inches high and has a rounded form.  As a result it is often planted in outdoor flower pots.

It takes full sun or part shade, requires very little water and is easy or moderately easy to grow. 


The foliage is toxic to animals. Birds, particularly doves and Wild Turkeys are attracted to the seeds. It hosts several butterfly and moth species.

Plant type

Annual herb

Size

8 in Tall

Calscape icon
Color

Green, Cream

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water

Very Low

Ease of care

Moderate

Sunset Zones

7*, 8*, 9*, 14*, 15, 16, 17, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*

Site type

Flats, gentle slopes

Plant communities

Coastal Sage Scrub, Foothill Woodland, Northern Oak Woodland, Southern Oak Woodland, Valley Grassland

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 5 likely

Confirmed Likely

Anacampsis lacteusochrella

Soybean Looper Moth

Chrysodeixis includens

California Tiger Moth

Leptarctia californiae

Schinia citrinellus