Crotalaria rotundifolia J.F. Gmel. - Rabbitbells
Family - Fabaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Calyx.
Flowering - May - October.
Habitat - Flatwoods, sandhills, dry, disturbed sites, pine woodlands.
Origin - Native to U.S.
Other information - This attractive little species can be found mainly in the southern half of Alabama. The plant is easy to identify in the field becasue of its rounded leaves, repent, pubescent stems, and bright yellow flowers.
The genus name Crotalaria derives from the Greek "crotal" meaning "rattle" referring to the seeds rattling inside the tough pod.
The species epithet rotundifolia derives from the Latin "rotund" meaning "round" and "foli" meaning "a leaf", referring to the rounded leaves of the plant.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken in the Tuskegee National Forest, Macon County, AL., 10-9-04.