Arrowhead Rattlebox
Crotalaria sagittalis
Last reviewed: August 2026
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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.
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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