Cape Rattlebox (Crotalaria Capensis) is a perennial shrub in the Fabaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires low to medium watering and full sun light in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

Crotalaria capensis is a small, upright, fast-growing shrub or small tree native to southern Africa, known for its bright yellow pea-like flowers and trifoliate gray-green leaves.

Cape Rattlebox

Cape Rattlebox

Crotalaria Capensis

Crotalaria capensis is a small, upright, fast-growing shrub or small tree native to southern Africa, known for its bright yellow pea-like flowers and trifoliate gray-green leaves.

Quick Facts

Type
shrub
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
low to medium
Light
Full Sun
Hardiness Zones
9-11

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:sandy, loamy
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:nitrogen fixer, groundcover, ornamental

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Cape Rattlebox

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Cape Rattlebox
Cape Rattlebox detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Fabaceae
Genus:Crotalaria