Crotalaria is a genus of herbaceous plants and woody shrubs mostly native to Africa. They are commonly called rattlepod or rattlebox after their seed pods which make a rattling sound when shaken. The seeds are poisonous. Rattlebox have yellow flowers and can grow as much as 5 feet tall.
Crotalaria spectabilis Roth (Showy Rattlebox) was introduced to the US from India for green manure. As a legume that supports nitrogen fixing bacteria, it is considered a "soil builder." However, it is also poisonous to cattle (as are many legumes), and has spread rapidly throughout the Southeastern United States where it is now considered an invasive species.
There are seven species of rattlebox found in JDSP, five of which are nonnative invasives. The invasive rattlebox species grow easily in sandy areas, especially disturbed soil along roads and trails. The two native species are both low-growing so any rattlebox more than 1 ft tall can safely be considered invasive.
When removing rattlebox it is important to collect all the seed pods first as they frequently fall off during removal. Rattlebox, especially larger plants, can become strongly rooted and difficult to remove by hand.
Rattlebox can also refer to Sesbania punicea, a red flowery plant also known as Spanish Gold. Like Crotalaria, these plants are invasive in Florida and toxic if swallowed.
