Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Alabama Croton

Croton alabamensis
A very handsome endangered shrub, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 8 feet, that is native to Tennessee and Alabama where it is endangered.. It can be trained as a lovely single trunked shrub-tree with a thick, rounded canopy.
The blunt-tipped, elliptical, semi-evergreen leaves are up to 5 x 2 ( rarely over 4 ) inches in size. The foliage is shimmering deep green above and silvery-white below, turning to bright orange or sometimes red in autumn.
The yellowish-green flowers are borne on clusters, up to 1.5 inches in length, during early to mid spring. The twigs are whitish.
Hardy zones 4b to 8 in sun or shade preferring moist, fertile, light, well drained soil. It is very heat and drought tolerant.
Propagation is easy from seed.

* photos taken on March 28 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on June 30 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* photos taken on Apr 17 2016 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

* historic archive photo

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