Lindheimer's Doveweed

Croton lindheimeri

Despite being highly toxic to cattle, its oil-rich seeds are a primary and favorite food source for mourning doves and bobwhite quail.

Scientific name: Croton lindheimeri
Taxonomy: Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Malpighiales › Euphorbiaceae › Croton
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern
Population trend: stable
Biome: grassland
Habitat: Dry prairies, pastures, roadsides, and disturbed open fields
Diet: Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Range: United States (Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas), Northern Mexico
Size: 30 to 100 cm (1 to 3 feet) tall
Lifespan: 1 year (Annual)
Active: diurnal
Threats: Intensive agricultural herbicides and invasive pasture grasses.
Safe to approach?: Harmless to touch, but toxic if ingested. Keep pets and livestock away, as the plant contains irritating sap and oils. If sap contacts skin or eyes, wash thoroughly with cool water; seek veterinary care if grazed by animals.

Photo: Alison Northup, CC-BY, via iNaturalist