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Rattlebox: A Multifaceted Name

The term "Rattlebox" refers to several plants, most commonly those within the legume family (Fabaceae). The name originates from the distinctive rattling sound produced by the seeds within their inflated fruit pods.

Scientific Nomenclature

• Common Name: Rattlebox
• Scientific Names:
  • Crotalaria (various species, e.g., Crotalaria albida, Crotalaria sagittalis, Crotalaria spectabilis)
  • Sesbania (various species, e.g., Sesbania drummondii, Sesbania punicea, Sesbania tripetii)
  • Daubentonia tripetii (synonym for Sesbania tripetii)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Fabaceae (also referred to as Papilionaceae for Crotalaria albida)
• Subfamily: Faboideae (for Sesbania punicea, Sesbania tripetii, and Daubentonia tripetii)

Distribution and Habitat

• Rattlebox species are found in various locations, including:
  • Texas (North Central area into the Coastal Plain)
  • Mexico
  • Eastern Arkansas
  • South Florida (both native and non-native species)
  • Eastern Iowa (venue locations for the band 'Rattlebox')
• Habitats include:
  • Low, wet grounds
  • Wet, sunny areas in the Coastal Plain
  • Acidic sandy soils with a pH of 4 to 6

Ecological Role

• Some Rattlebox species, like the species introduced from South America, are considered exotic invasive shrubs.
• Showy Rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis) is native to the Indo-Malaysian area but has been widely planted around the world's tropics.

Morphological Characteristics

• The plants often have inflated pods containing seeds that rattle when the stem is moved.
• Crotalaria sagittalis is a summer annual about 6-12 inches tall that branches occasionally.
• Sesbania drummondii has many well-separated branches in the upper part of the plant.
• Flowers of the Minnesota Rattlebox species are yellow, pea-shaped (1/3 inch long), and grow in racemes of 1 to 4, with a hairy calyx.

Considerations for Pets

• Crotalaria albida is noted as being toxic to horses due to the presence of Pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Quirky Facts

• The Bella Moth (Utetheisa ornatrix), also known as the Rattlebox Moth, Inornate Moth, or Calico Moth, interacts with Rattlebox plants.
• Norfolk Rattlebox is a variety for which scions have been grafted onto trees in an attempt to cultivate it.

Further Information

• Wikipedia has an article on "rattlebox."
• Wikispecies has information on Crotalaria.
• Dave's Garden provides a community forum for sharing gardening tips and ideas.