Lanceleaf Rattlebox, Rattlepod 

Crotalaria lanceolata

kroh-tuh-LAR-ee-ah  lan-see-oh-LAY-tuh

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Native to:  Africa and Madagascar

Florida abundance and distribution:  Naturalized and distributed throughout Florida, but less in the Panhandle, Ga., Al., N.C., S.C., and Hi.

Recognition: Erect annual or perennial with alternate, compound, trifoliate leaves, the leaflets linear to linear-lanceolate up to 11 cm long, the margins entire sharp pointed. Upper leaflet glabrous, lower leaflet pilose. The center leaflet longer than the lateral leaflets.  Stems ribbed with small hairs; petioles 3-6 cm long,  stipules absent.  About 10-40 small yellow flowers having reddish-brown streaks (veins) sit atop terminal racemes to 20 cm long. Wings 1 cm, oblong, marginally pilose basally, the keel as long as wings and blunt.  Pod approx.  4-6 cm long, oblong, with a groove on one side, pubescent, and curved upward at the tip, with between 20-50 seeds that are cordate.  As fruit matures, the seeds break loose inside the pod and “rattle.”

Potentially confused species:  There are many different species of Crotalaria found in Florida both native and non-native.  This species has uniquely linear-lanceolate (vs. broader) leaflets and reddish-brown floral markings.

Other:  Good nitrogen fixation.

Contributed by: Andrea Schechter