Birdflower

Crotalaria cunninghamii

Native to:
Australia

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Crotalaria
Species:
Crotalaria cunninghamii
USDA Symbol:
CRCU7

Growth Characteristics

Height:
300 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
green, black

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, birds
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from rootstock after fire; adapted to fire-prone Australian habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid regions, tolerates poor soil

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Hard seed coat requires scarification (mechanical or hot water treatment) for best germination. Soak in hot water and allow to cool for 24 hours before sowing.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI