Showy crotalaria
Common Name:
showy crotalaria
Scientific Name:
Crotalaria spectabilis
Family:
Fabaceae
Lifecycle:
Annual
Features
Simple spatulate leaves (most legumes are compound)– lower leaves can die away as plant ages. Large showy yellow flowers with typical banner, wings, and keel typical of legumes. Flowers occur at apex of plant. Produces a hollow seed/bean pod that rattles when dry.
Description
Toxic plant to livestock when seeds or vegetation is consumed (alkaloid toxicity). Tall growing annual legume with showy yellow flowers. Often referred to as rattlesnake weed or rattlebox because seed will separate from replum when dry and will create a rattling sound when disturbed.