How much sun does Arrowhead Rattlebox need?

Arrowhead Rattlebox grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Arrowhead Rattlebox bloom?

Arrowhead Rattlebox blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Arrowhead Rattlebox native?

Arrowhead Rattlebox (Crotalaria sagittalis) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CT and 31 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Arrowhead Rattlebox attract?

Arrowhead Rattlebox draws bees and beetles.

Is Arrowhead Rattlebox HOA-friendly?

Arrowhead Rattlebox takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Arrowhead Rattlebox

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Crotalaria sagittalis

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CT and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains South Central Plains

Arrowhead rattlebox is a low-growing annual wildflower with arrow-shaped leaves and bright yellow pea-like flowers that bloom through summer. This native plant tolerates drought well and produces distinctive seed pods that rattle when mature. It naturally reseeds in sunny, well-drained locations.

In an HOA neighborhood

Arrowhead Rattlebox takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Common name includes 'rattlebox' which sounds concerning
Can appear weedy and informal in growth habit
Annual nature means gaps in coverage some seasons

Wildlife value

The yellow flowers attract native bees and beetles during the summer blooming period. As a native legume, it also helps fix nitrogen in the soil.

Common questions

How much sun does Arrowhead Rattlebox need?: Arrowhead Rattlebox grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Arrowhead Rattlebox bloom?: Arrowhead Rattlebox blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Arrowhead Rattlebox native?: Arrowhead Rattlebox (Crotalaria sagittalis) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CT and 31 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Arrowhead Rattlebox attract?: Arrowhead Rattlebox draws bees and beetles.
Is Arrowhead Rattlebox HOA-friendly?: Arrowhead Rattlebox takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Arrowhead Rattlebox? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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