SafePlants

Rattleweed: A Multifaceted Plant Name

The name "Rattleweed" is a common name applied to several different plants. Understanding which plant is being referenced is essential.

• Common Name: Rattleweed
• Scientific Names (may refer to):
  • Astragalus (various species)
  • Baptisia arachnifera Duncan (Hairy Rattleweed)
  • Crotalaria retusa L.
  • Senna covesii
  • Astragalus lentiginosus (Freckled Milkvetch Rattleweed)
  • Astragalus wootonii Sheldon (Garboncillo)
  • Astragalus canadensis
  • Astragalus brauntonii Parish (Braunton's Rattleweed)
• Note: The name "Rattleweed" can also refer to Cimicifuga racemosa (or Actaea racemosa), also known as Black Cohosh.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Rattleweed species are legumes, such as Astragalus wootonii, also called Garboncillo.

Considerations for Children

• The Hairy Rattleweed (Baptisia arachnifera) has "arachnifera" in its name because it features silvery-white, cobwebby hairs covering the stem, leaves, and bean pods.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Plantae (for Crotalaria retusa)
• Family: Fabaceae (for Crotalaria retusa, Astragalus, and Baptisia arachnifera)
• Synonyms/Alternative Names:
  • For Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa): Black Snakeroot, Bugbane, Rattleroot, Richweed, Snakeroot.

Distribution and Habitat

• Crotalaria retusa was introduced to Brazil from Africa and has become established in NE Brazil.
• Astragalus canadensis is found throughout the US, excluding Arizona, Florida, and the far Northeast.
• Hairy Rattleweed (Baptisia arachnifera) grows in sandy soils in open pine flatwoods, intensively managed slash pine plantations, and along road and powerline rights-of-way. It is endemic to Georgia.

Ecological Role

• Some "yellow rattleweed" species can spread rapidly and become highly invasive.

Morphological Characteristics

• Hairy Rattleweed (Baptisia arachnifera) is a perennial legume with heart-shaped leaves clasping the stem and is covered with dense, cobwebby hairs. It is greenish-gray.
• Astragalus wootonii (Garboncillo) is a much-branched annual with erect, hairy stems.
• Crotalaria retusa is a species of flowering plant with various common names like devil-bean, rattleweed, and shack shack.
• One description mentions a perennial, multi-branched plant (likely referencing a specific rattleweed species) that grows to 50-80 cm (20-32 in) tall, with a reddish-brown stem covered in dense silvery-white hairs and leathery leaves.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The name *arachnifera* references the plant's spider-like hairs on its leaves, stems, and bean pods.

Conservation Status

• The Hairy Rattleweed (Baptisia arachnifera) is classified as endangered in Georgia and is on the U.S. Endangered Species List.