Rattlebox

Crotalaria alata

Native to:
Australia, Bangladesh, Bismarck Archipelago, Cambodia, China, Hainan, India, Jawa, Laos, Malaya, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Sumatera, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Crotalaria
Species:
Crotalaria alata
USDA Symbol:
CRAL12

Growth Characteristics

Height:
120 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to open, sunny areas with poor soil

Propagation & Germination

Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Notes:
Seeds require scarification to break physical dormancy; germination occurs in warm conditions.