Mortellaro's Nursery
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Brazilian Rattlebox
Sesbania punicea
Discontinued
The Brazilian Rattlebox, native to South America, is an extremely fast growing irregular small tree. It is an invasive plant in its native habitit, or any year-round warm and wet environments --which is tough to find in Texas. The flowers and seeds are poisonous, so avoid planting it near areas with livestock.
Ratttlebox has a multitude of compound leaves that can have up to 16 pairs of dark green leaflets. In the early summer it displays numerous clusters of pea-shaped coral-red flowers. The green seed pods that follow are up to five inches long and have three to four longitudinal wings. They turn dark brown in the fall, with a sharp point at the bottom tip; they make a distinct rattle noise when the tree is shaken by the wind.
Being poisonous, the seeds don’t readily travel by animals. They are easily germinated and can form thickets. They are not too problematic in Texas as they die easily with prolonged freezing temperatures.
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Small Blooming Tree |
Flower Color:Red-Orange |
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Height8 Feet |
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Spread5 Feet |
Interesting Notes
Seeds and Flowers are Poisonous
USDA Hardiness Zone 8a
Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Water Needs
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