Crotalaria spectabilis
Showy rattlebox

Impressive, bright golden yellow flowers cluster along tall, purple-green stems while large leaves crowd below. An annual legume native to Indomalaysia, this plant is often found growing on roadside slopes, or open pastures in the Mid-South region of the United States. Attracts bees, butterflies and birds. This plant grows best in full sun, is drought tolerant and doesn't require a lot of water.

Fun Facts:

1. The name 'rattlebox' is used to describe the sound the seeds make inside the pod, once mature
2. Alkaloids produced by members of this genus are used to protect the plant from predators
3. 600 or more species of Crotalaria exist