Doveweed (Turkey mullein)

Croton setigerus

The foliage, as with many other euphorbs, is toxic; so the plants were used by native Americans to stupefy fish to make them easier to catch.  The seeds are not toxic to birds and are enjoyed especially by doves and wild turkeys.  Two different seed colors are produced by individual plants and it is thought that mourning doves, one of the main foragers on this plant, choose only one color form to eat, leaving the other to germinate later. 

Native to California

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