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Crotalaria albida

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
kroh-tuh-LAIR-ee-uh AL-bi-da
Description

Rattlebox is an annual or short-lived perennial plant in the Fabaceae (bean) family.  In its native habitat, it can be found growing in dry, deciduous and open forests, as well as in jungles and open grassland.  It is native to tropical and subtropical Asia.

It grows in the full sun in well-drained soils that range from moist to dry.  Being a legume, its roots fix nitrogen some of which is used by the plants but some of which can also benefit neighboring plants.  

 

 

More information on Crotalaria.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#yellow flowers#high maintenance#fast growing#short lifespan#problem for horses#tropical feel#weed
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#yellow flowers#high maintenance#fast growing#short lifespan#problem for horses#tropical feel#weed
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Crotalaria
    Species:
    albida
    Family:
    Fabaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Tropical & Subtropical Asia
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Weed
    Habit/Form:
    Ascending
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    High
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Winter
    Fruit Type:
    Legume
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Legume less than 1 inch long with 6-12 seeds
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Winter
    Flower Shape:
    Lipped
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Pea-like flowers form along the raceme. The back of the flowers have hairs.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Lanceolate
    Oblanceolate
    Obovate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Simple green leaves are oblanceolate, elliptic, or obovate with short or no stems. They are 2/3 to 1 inch long and less than 2/3 inch wide
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Branches occur at the base of the stem occasionally along the stem.
  • Landscape:
    Problems:
    Problem for Horses
    Weedy