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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

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: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Pursh's Rattlebox (Crotalaria purshii) 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

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 6 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Southern Coastal Plain

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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz