Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1759
Citation Micro:
Syst. Nat. ed. 10, 2: 1158 (1759)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000198675
Common Names
- Crotalaria chinensis
- Chinensis Crotalaria
- Chinese Crotalaria
Synonyms
- Crotalaria sinensis J.F.Gmel. [valid]
- Crotalaria kawakamii Hayata [valid]
- Crotalaria akoensis Hayata [valid]
Description
Crotalaria chinensis (also called Chinese Rattlebox, among many other common names) is an annual herb native to China. It has a low-growing, spreading growth habit and is usually 10-20 cm tall. Its leaves are green and it produces small, yellow flowers in the summer. It is found in dry, sandy soils in open woodlands and grasslands.
Uses & Benefits
Crotalaria chinensis is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a diuretic and to treat fever, fatigue, and digestive issues. It is also used as an ingredient in some herbal teas and as a natural remedy for anxiety and insomnia.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Crotalaria chinensis has small, yellow flowers with five petals and a long, thin pistil. The seeds are small, black and round. The seedlings have long, thin stems with small, oval-shaped leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Crotalaria chinensis is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to cultivate and propagate. It can be propagated by seed or division. When propagating by seed, sow the seeds in a well-drained soil in a sunny location. Water the seeds regularly and keep the soil moist. When propagating by division, divide the plant in spring or autumn and replant in a well-drained soil in a sunny location. Water the plant regularly and keep the soil moist.
Where to Find Crotalaria chinensis
Crotalaria chinensis is native to the western United States, primarily in California, Nevada, and Utah. It can be found in dry, open areas such as sagebrush flats and rocky slopes.
Crotalaria chinensis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Crotalaria chinensis?
Crotalaria chinensis
What is the common name of Crotalaria chinensis?
Chinese Rattlebox
What is the natural habitat of Crotalaria chinensis?
It is found in dry, sandy or rocky soils in open areas
Species in the Crotalaria genus
Crotalaria brevipedunculata,
Crotalaria mexicana,
Crotalaria nayaritensis,
Crotalaria rzedowskii,
Crotalaria filifolia,
Crotalaria grandiflora,
Crotalaria martiana,
Crotalaria polyphylla,
Crotalaria purdieana,
Crotalaria quercetorum,
Crotalaria quinquefolia,
Crotalaria berteroana,
Crotalaria brachycarpa,
Crotalaria breviflora,
Crotalaria bupleurifolia,
Crotalaria flavicoma,
Crotalaria hilariana,
Crotalaria holosericea,
Crotalaria longirostrata,
Crotalaria mollicula,
Crotalaria nana,
Crotalaria nitens,
Crotalaria pilosa,
Crotalaria pumila,
Crotalaria purshii,
Crotalaria rufipila,
Crotalaria sagittalis,
Crotalaria tetragona,
Crotalaria unifoliolata,
Crotalaria velutina,
Crotalaria vespertilio,
Crotalaria bahiaensis,
Crotalaria boliviensis,
Crotalaria goiasensis,
Crotalaria harleyi,
Crotalaria irwinii,
Crotalaria semperflorens,
Crotalaria schiedeana,
Crotalaria grandiflora,
Crotalaria lotifolia,
Crotalaria gloriae,
Crotalaria balansae,
Crotalaria maypurensis,
Crotalaria rotundifolia,
Crotalaria angulata,
Crotalaria allophylla,
Crotalaria intricata,
Crotalaria warfae,
Crotalaria vitellina,
Crotalaria cajanifolia,
Species in the Fabaceae family