Dove Weed: A Native Annual That’s Both Friend and Foe in Western Gardens
If you’ve spent time in California’s Central Valley or foothills, chances are you’ve encountered dove weed (Croton setigerus) without even knowing it. This unassuming little annual might not win any beauty contests, but it plays an important role in western ecosystems and has some surprising qualities that make it worth considering—or avoiding—depending on your gardening goals.
What Exactly is Dove Weed?
Dove weed, scientifically known as Croton setigerus, is a native annual forb that belongs to the spurge family. Don’t let the fancy botanical terms fool you—it’s basically a small, soft-stemmed plant that completes its entire life cycle in one year. You might also see it listed under its synonym Eremocarpus setigerus in older field guides.
This silvery-green plant gets its common name from its popularity with doves and other seed-eating birds. The setigerus part of its scientific name refers to the bristle-like hairs that give the plant its distinctive fuzzy appearance.
Where Does Dove Weed Call Home?
As a true western native, dove weed naturally occurs across seven states: Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. It’s particularly common in California’s interior valleys and foothill regions, where it thrives in the Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
The Good, The Bad, and The Weedy
Here’s where dove weed gets interesting—it’s both a valuable native plant and a potential garden nuisance, depending on your perspective and gardening style.
The Wildlife Benefits
Despite its modest appearance, dove weed punches above its weight when it comes to wildlife value. Research shows that it provides 5% to 10% of the diet for both small mammals and terrestrial birds. While animals don’t typically use it for cover due to its low-growing nature, those tiny seeds are packed with nutrition that sustains everything from quail and doves to ground squirrels and mice.
The Aesthetic Reality Check
Let’s be honest—dove weed isn’t going to win any garden beauty contests. This annual forb typically grows as a low, spreading plant with small, inconspicuous flowers and grayish-green foliage covered in soft hairs. Its charm lies more in its ecological function than its visual appeal. Think of it as the utility player of native plants rather than the star quarterback.
Should You Plant Dove Weed in Your Garden?
The answer depends on what type of garden you’re creating and how much control you want to maintain.
Great for These Garden Types:
- Native plant restoration projects
- Naturalized, low-maintenance landscapes
- Wildlife habitat gardens focused on seed-eating birds
- Drought-tolerant, no-irrigation zones
- Disturbed soil stabilization projects
Think Twice If You Have:
- Formal garden beds with irrigation
- Small urban gardens where every plant needs to earn its space
- Areas where you want tight control over plant placement
- Gardens focused primarily on ornamental appeal
Growing Dove Weed Successfully
If you’ve decided dove weed fits your garden goals, you’ll find it’s remarkably easy to grow—perhaps too easy!
Growing Conditions
Dove weed thrives in USDA hardiness zones 8-10 and prefers:
- Full sun exposure
- Dry, well-draining soils (including poor or disturbed soils)
- Minimal to no supplemental watering once established
- Areas that mimic its natural habitat of grasslands and open spaces
Planting and Care Tips
- Direct seed in fall for spring germination (it needs winter chill)
- Scatter seeds on prepared soil surface—no need to bury them deeply
- Provide minimal care once established; overwatering can actually harm the plant
- Allow natural self-seeding if you want it to return annually
- Be prepared for it to spread—this plant doesn’t stay put
A Word of Caution
While dove weed isn’t classified as invasive, it can become quite aggressive in favorable conditions, especially in disturbed soils or areas with some irrigation. In agricultural settings, it’s often considered a weed because of its prolific self-seeding abilities. Before planting, consider whether you’re comfortable with a plant that might show up in unexpected places throughout your landscape.
The Bottom Line
Dove weed occupies a unique niche in western native plant gardening. It’s not the showiest plant you can choose, but it’s incredibly valuable for wildlife and represents an authentic piece of western ecosystems. If you’re creating a naturalized landscape or restoration project and can embrace its somewhat unpredictable nature, dove weed can be a valuable addition. However, if you prefer plants that stay where you put them and look good doing it, you might want to consider other western natives that offer more ornamental appeal with similar ecological benefits.
Sometimes the most important native plants are the humble ones that work behind the scenes, quietly supporting the web of life in our gardens. Dove weed definitely falls into that category—unassuming but essential, just like many of the best supporting actors in nature’s grand drama.
