West Indian Rattlebox
Crotalaria trichotoma
- Native to:
- Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania
M108t






Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Crotalaria
- Species:
- Crotalaria trichotoma
- USDA Symbol:
- CRTR12
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Subshrub
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny habitats
Propagation & Germination
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds benefit from scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) to break hard seed coat.