Low Rattlebox
Crotalaria pumila
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Low Rattlebox (Crotalaria pumila) 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
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AZ, FL, NM, OK and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees
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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Low rattlebox is a compact annual wildflower that forms small mounds of soft green foliage topped with bright yellow pea-like flowers. It blooms reliably from late spring through early fall, providing consistent color in sunny, dry locations. This drought-tolerant native thrives in poor soils and requires minimal care once established.
In an HOA neighborhood
Low 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.
- Name contains 'rattlebox' which may concern neighbors
- Can self-seed aggressively
- May appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
Wildlife value
The flowers attract various native bees and other pollinators throughout its extended blooming season. As a legume, it also helps improve soil nitrogen levels naturally.
Common questions
- How much sun does Low Rattlebox need?
- Low Rattlebox grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Low Rattlebox bloom?
- Low Rattlebox blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Low Rattlebox native?
- Low Rattlebox (Crotalaria pumila) is native to AZ, FL, NM, OK and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- What pollinators does Low Rattlebox attract?
- Low Rattlebox draws bees.
- Is Low Rattlebox HOA-friendly?
- Low 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 Low Rattlebox? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz