Birdflower
Crotalaria cunninghamii
- Native to:
- Australia
Atlas of Living Australia (www.flickr.com),Mark Marathon,Jens Rusch,Cressflower,indiie1,McKee, Roland, 1880- Enlow, C. R. (Charles Ranger), 1893-,Bayerische botanische Gesellschaft, Regensburg.,Loudon, Jane (Webb), Mrs., 1807-1858,Hooker, William Jackson, Sir,Philosophical Society of Adelaide, South Australia,Engelmann, George,,Lindley, John, Ridgway, James
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.