Weed of the Week: Showy Crotalaria

Showy crotalaria is a common weed in the Panhandle that is toxic to livestock. Photo credit: Doug Mayo

Commonly known as Showy Rattlebox, Showy Crotalaria is a fast growing summer annual that germinates in early spring and flowers in late summer. As a member of the legume family, it was brought to the United States to be used as a cover crop to help set nitrogen in dry sandy soils. Showy Crotalaria is toxic to livestock, containing high levels of alkaloids, which commonly cause issues in cattle and horses in the southeastern states.

For help to identify weeds or developing a control plan for your operation, please contact your county extension agent.

For more information on this topic please see the following UF/IFAS Publication: Weed Snapshot: Showy Crotalaria

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Posted: August 4, 2017


Category: Agriculture
Tags: Invasive Species, Livestock, Panhandle Agriculture, Toxic Plants, Weeds


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