What Is Prairie Tea and Why Is It Considered Toxic?
This native plant's common name is a misnomer. Learn about *Croton monanthogynus*, a plant valued by wildlife but considered toxic for human consumption.
Prairie tea is an annual herb native to North America, scientifically known as Croton monanthogynus. Its common name often leads to questions about its use, but it is primarily recognized for its role in native ecosystems. This plant is a member of the spurge family. It typically grows in prairies and other dry, open areas, contributing to the local biodiversity.
Identifying Prairie Tea
Prairie tea is a low-growing annual plant that typically reaches heights of up to two feet. It has a branching structure, giving it a bushy appearance. The leaves are small, alternately arranged on the stem, and have an oval or lance-like shape. A distinct feature of the foliage is its texture; the leaves and stems are covered in dense, star-shaped hairs, which can give them a woolly or silvery look.
The plant’s flowers are small, white, and not particularly showy, blooming from spring through fall. They are clustered at the tips of the stems. Its most definitive feature is the fruit, which gives the plant its other common name, one-seeded croton. Each small, hairy capsule splits open to release just a single seed, a feature that distinguishes it from related species.
Native Habitat and Range
This plant is well-adapted to harsh conditions and is commonly found in dry, sun-drenched environments. Its preferred habitats include native prairies, limestone glades, pastures, and areas with disturbed, poor, or rocky soil. It has a strong preference for calcareous soils, which are rich in calcium carbonate.
Prairie tea is native to the central and southeastern United States. Its range extends from states like Texas and Kansas eastward to the Carolinas and north into Illinois and Indiana. It often colonizes open ground, roadsides, and fields, particularly in areas that may be overgrazed.
Uses and Toxicity
Despite its inviting name, prairie tea is toxic and not safe for human consumption. It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae, or spurge family, a family notable for containing many poisonous plants. While some historical accounts mention a very mild tea being made from the leaves, modern chemistry strongly advises against ingestion. Livestock tend to avoid eating it in pastures, a common indicator of its toxicity.
Direct contact with the plant can also cause issues. The fine, star-shaped hairs that cover the stems and leaves are easily shed and can cause significant eye irritation. Some individuals report skin irritation or a burning sensation after handling the plant, particularly with prolonged contact on sensitive or sweaty skin.
Growing Prairie Tea in a Garden
For gardeners interested in native flora and creating wildlife-friendly landscapes, prairie tea can be a valuable addition. It is exceptionally drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun and poor soil, making it an excellent candidate for xeriscaping, rock gardens, or prairie restoration projects. Its ability to grow in compacted or rocky ground allows its taproot to help break up the soil, which benefits later successional plants.
The most significant reason to cultivate prairie tea is its ecological benefit, particularly for birds. The seeds are a substantial food source for mourning doves, northern bobwhite quail, and turkeys, which is why it is sometimes called “doveweed.” As an early succession plant, it helps hold soil, prevent erosion, and can act as a placeholder that defends against invasive species until perennial grasses and wildflowers become established.