Low Rattlebox

Crotalaria pumila

Native to:
Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Galápagos, Guam, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, United States, Venezuela, Windward Is.

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Crotalaria
Species:
Crotalaria pumila
USDA Symbol:
CRPU4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Annual | Perennial
Growth Habit:
Forb/herb , Subshrub
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
yellow

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Syncopacma crotalariella

Reported Fauna Sightings

Moths:Ornate moth (Utetheisa ornatrix)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers open, sunny habitats