Croton flavens, commonly known as Yellow Croton, is a perennial shrub native to the Caribbean and the northern part of South America, specifically thriving in coastal regions, dry forests, and disturbed areas. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 2.5-3 feet (0.8-0.9 meters) and a width of 2-2.5 feet (0.6-0.8 meters). The plant features narrow, leathery leaves and bears yellow, somewhat inconspicuous flowers in the spring and summer, which are followed by small, inedible fruits. While the flowers are not particularly showy, the foliage can add a textural contrast to gardens.

Yellow Croton is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, sandy soils, making it suitable for xeriscaping and coastal landscaping. It is often used in rock gardens, as a border plant, or in mass plantings for erosion control. This species requires full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained sandy or loamy soils. It is generally low-maintenance but should be monitored for potential invasiveness outside its native range. In some regions, it has become a problematic invasive species due to its ability to outcompete native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0