Arrowhead Rattlebox (Crotalaria sagittalis)

Crotalaria sagittalis is known by the common name Arrowhead Rattlebox. I’ve only seen it in Wilkes County, Georgia. We found it in mid June but, judging by the presence of seed pods, it was probably blooming in May.

The stem, leaves and a flower.

A flower, straight on.

A flower, from above.

A flower, in profile. The stipules on the stem are also visible.

Developing seed pods. These are plump and turn dark purple to black as the seeds ripen.

Crotalaria sagittalis (Arrowhead Rattlebox) is native to the United States and South and Central America. In the United States, it grows in the eastern, southern and central states and in Arizona.
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Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Crotalaria sagittalis (Arrowhead Rattlebox)

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Arrowhead Rattlebox (Crotalaria sagittalis)
- Missouri Plants: Crotalaria sagittalis

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower – Wildflower Index