Complete Guide to Florida Wildflowers by Roger L. Hammer

Author:Roger L. Hammer
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781493030941
Publisher: Falcon Guides

LOW RATTLEBOX

Crotalaria pumila Ortega

Pea family (Fabaceae)

Description: Low mounds of stems may reach 12" tall, with compound leaves divided into 3 inversely egg-shaped leaflets that measure ¼"–⅜" long. The flower standard is oval, with thin red lines at the base. The keel is bent at a sharp right angle.

Bloom Season: All year

Habitat/Range: Pinelands and grassy areas in Alachua and Sarasota Counties and from Volusia and Collier Counties south through the coastal counties into the Florida Keys

Comments: The name pumila means “little,” referring to the small stature of this species. This is a larval host plant of the day-flying bella moth, which has orangish-pink forewings marked with white bands and black spots. The bright pink hind wings create a flash of color when the moth takes flight. Adult bella moths exude a toxic, frothy spit to defend against predators. Spanish botanist Casimiro Gómez de Ortega first described this species in 1797.

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