Rattleweed (Crotalaria Retusa) is a annual herb in the Fabaceae family with easy care difficulty. It requires moderate 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 retusa is an erect, annual or short-lived perennial herbaceous shrub with woody stems, growing 60-130 cm tall, known for its bright yellow flowers and legume pods.

Rattleweed

Rattleweed

Crotalaria Retusa

Crotalaria retusa is an erect, annual or short-lived perennial herbaceous shrub with woody stems, growing 60-130 cm tall, known for its bright yellow flowers and legume pods.

Quick Facts

Type
herb
Lifecycle
annual
Care Difficulty
Easy
Water Needs
Moderate
Light
Full Sun
Hardiness Zones
9-11

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:loamy, sandy, well-drained
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:groundcover, nitrogen fixer, pollinator attractor

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Rattleweed

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

Rattleweed
Rattleweed detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Fabaceae
Genus:Crotalaria