Alabama Croton Croton alabamensis

This southeastern native was first discovered in 1877 during a study of natural resources in Bibb County, Alabama.  Previously unidentified, a sample branch was collected and forwarded to a botanist who was also unable to identify.  However, based on the local where it was discovered, its resemblance to spurge, its three-parted fruits and the distinctive floral characteristics, it was named Alabama Croton.  In addition to being rare in the wild, and has also been deemed the rarest shrub in North America.  It is also difficult to find in plant nurseries. But it’s worth the quest.

It is a loose, open, semi-deciduous shrub, reaching around six feet in height with a spreading, mounding habit. The foliage is bright green above and silvery below, with the older leaves turning a showy pumpkin-orange in the fall. The foliage is also quite fragrant, described as resembling apples or bananas.  In some milder climates, the foliage may remain on the plant with showy green to orange coloring.  The foliage also allows the plant to survive in extremely dry conditions.  The glistening silver scales of the leaf underside allows it to reflect sunlight which in turn reduces the plant's heat load.  

The small, yellow-green flowers are similar to those of poinsettia (minus the large colorful bracts), and both belong to the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae). Other shared characteristics include milky sap and relative immunity from deer damage.  Each plant has separate male and female flowers produced on the same branch  

Alabama croton tolerates some degree of neglect and dryness, but semi-shade with moist but well-drained organic soils represent optimal conditions.  Your biggest challenge in cultivating this plant will be keeping more aggressive shrubs and vines from overgrowing it.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious issues.  Low branches that a left to touch the ground can form roots when contact with the ground is made.  This method of propagation is known as air layering.