Scientific Name
Crotalaria spp.
Common Name
Rattlebox, Rattleweed, Crotolaria

TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

Characteristics

Family
Fabaceae
Plant Description
Annual or perennial herbs with alternate, simple or divided leaves; flowers yellow on long terminal or axillary clusters, each 5-parted and pea-like; fruit an inflated, subcylindric pod with many seeds.
Origin
USA, NC, Tropical America.
Distribution
Throughout
Where Found
Weedy in disturbed areas, along roadsides, cultivated fields.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Seeds, leaves.
Symptoms
Lower blood pressure and heart beat, stomach irritation.
Toxic Principle
Alkaloids.
Severity
TOXIC ONLY IF LARGE QUANTITIES EATEN.

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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