Crotalaria retusa - Shack Shack


Crotalaria retusa - Shack Shack

Small plant 2-5 ftFull sunYellow, orange flowersPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsEthnomedical plant.
Plants marked as ethnomedical and/or described as medicinal, are not offered as medicine but rather as ornamentals or plant collectibles.
Ethnomedical statements / products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. We urge all customers to consult a physician before using any supplements, herbals or medicines advertised here or elsewhere.

Devil Bean, Rattleweed, Shack Shack. This low growing relative of Cassias/sennas has spectacular yellow flowers followed by curios, balloon-like, rattling seedpods. It has beautiful lush foliage. Very easy to grow, not demanding and fast growing. Attracts butterflies and bees. The plant can flower year round.
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. The plant contains alkaloids and used medicinally in some tropical countries. The flowers and leaves have a sweet flavor and are edible as a vegetable. Their alkaloid content is very low. The roasted dehulled seeds are eaten in Vietnam. The roots are used against coughing. A decoction of the flowers and leaves is used to soothe a cold.

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Megaflor - Bloom Nutrition Booster
Grown in
6-10"/1-3 gal pot, large plant