Plant Profile: Croton capitatus

Hogwort is a perennial herb belonging to the spurge family, characterized by its upright, branching stems that are adorned with white or rusty brown, woolly hairs. This plant is indigenous to the central and eastern regions of the United States, though it is considered rare in North Carolina. It tends to thrive in disturbed environments such as fields, pastures, roadsides, and prairies. In pasture settings, it poses a significant risk as it can be toxic to cattle and horses when mixed with hay.

Additionally, Hogwort serves as a host plant for two species of butterflies, while its seeds are a food source for ground-feeding birds, including doves and quail. The flowers of this plant are not particularly striking, and its leaves have a woolly appearance due to the dense covering of hairs. Typically, Hogwort reaches a height of 1 to 3 feet and is commonly found in sandy or rocky soils, thriving in full sunlight.