How much sun does Pursh's Rattlebox need?

Pursh's Rattlebox grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Pursh's Rattlebox bloom?

Pursh's Rattlebox blooms in May, June, July, and August.

Where is Pursh's Rattlebox native?

Pursh's Rattlebox (Crotalaria purshii) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 6 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Pursh's Rattlebox attract?

Pursh's Rattlebox draws bees and butterflies.

Is Pursh's Rattlebox HOA-friendly?

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

Pursh's Rattlebox

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Crotalaria purshii

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Pursh's rattlebox is a native annual wildflower that grows 1-2 feet tall with bright yellow pea-like flowers from May through August. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established. The name comes from the seed pods that rattle when mature.

In an HOA neighborhood

Pursh's 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 includes 'rattlebox' which sounds concerning
Can appear weedy or unkempt as annual dies back
May self-seed unpredictably in maintained landscapes

Wildlife value

This plant provides nectar for native bees and butterflies throughout the long blooming season. The seeds may also attract small birds in late summer and fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Pursh's Rattlebox need?: Pursh's Rattlebox grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Pursh's Rattlebox bloom?: Pursh's Rattlebox blooms in May, June, July, and August.
Where is Pursh's Rattlebox native?: Pursh's Rattlebox (Crotalaria purshii) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 6 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Pursh's Rattlebox attract?: Pursh's Rattlebox draws bees and butterflies.
Is Pursh's Rattlebox HOA-friendly?: Pursh's 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 Pursh's Rattlebox? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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