Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Rattlebox (Sesbania punicea)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Fabales>Fabaceae>Sesbania punicea (Cavanilles) Bentham

Rattlebox (Sesbania punicea)

Rattlebox is a fairly common exotic invasive shrub of wet, sunny areas in the Coastal Plain. It was introduced from its native South America for its brilliant scarlet flowers. Formerly known as Daubentonia punicea.

Brunswick Co., NC 8/28/2010.

Rattlebox (Sesbania punicea)

Brunswick Co., NC 8/28/2010.

Rattlebox (Sesbania punicea)

Brunswick Co., NC 8/28/2010.

Rattlebox (Sesbania punicea)

Brunswick Co., NC 8/28/2010.

Rattlebox (Sesbania punicea)

Ripening pods.

Brunswick Co., NC 8/28/2010.

Rattlebox (Sesbania punicea)

Brunswick Co., NC 8/28/2010.

Rattlebox (Sesbania punicea)

The common name comes from the seedpods, which rattle with seeds when dry.

Brunswick Co., NC 8/28/2010.

Rattlebox (Sesbania punicea)

Bark detail.

Brunswick Co., NC 8/28/2010.

Rattlebox (Sesbania punicea)

Brunswick Co., NC 8/27/05.

More information:
Poisonous Plants of NC
Invasive.org
Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk
TNC Global Invasive Species Team
Virginia Tech Dendrology

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