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
Holmes County Extension Director working in the areas of Agricultural Management in row crop, natural resources, livestock and forage production. Specialized in Beef Cattle Production in the area of reproductive, nutritional and ranch management.
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