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Arrowhead Rattlebox

Crotalaria sagittalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Arrowhead Rattlebox (Crotalaria sagittalis)
Photo: (c) mayfly1963, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by mayfly1963

Toxicity unknown

Arrowhead Rattlebox (Crotalaria sagittalis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsDriftless AreaCentral Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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