Rattlepod (Crotalaria beddomeana)

Rattlepod is a shrub or small tree with clusters of yellow pea-like flowers. It is poisonous to livestock.

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How does this weed affect you?

Rattlepod is presumed to contain Pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are poisonous to livestock including cattle, horses, sheep, pigs and poultry.

What does it look like?

Rattlepod is an upright shrub or small tree that grows 2–5 m tall.

Leaves are:

• 6–13 cm long and 3.3–8 cm wide
• oval shaped
• very hairy and greyish underneath and hairless on top
• on stalks 1–2 cm long
• alternate along the stem.

Flowers are:

• pea-like with 5 petals
• yellow and the lower petals often have red-brown stripes
• in clusters up to 15 cm long
• present in winter and spring.

Seedpods are:

• slightly curved
• 5–7 cm long
• hairless
• inflated, and when shaken the seeds rattle inside the pod.

Seeds are:

• black
• about 5 mm long
• glossy
• covered in tiny bumps.

Stems are:

• usually densely hairy but sometimes hairless
• woody when older.

Similar looking plants

There are over 40 species of Crotalaria in Australia, including similar looking native species and other introduced species. Rattlepod is taller than most other species, has simple leaves (not in a group of three) and some of the petals have the red-brown tinge.

Scientific name change

This plant was previously named Crotalaria lunata.

Where is it found?

In NSW, naturalised plants have been found in the North Coast, Hunter, Greater Sydney and the South East regions.

Rattlepod is native to India. It was introduced as an ornamental garden plant

What type of environment does it grow in?

Rattlepod grows in a variety of climates from tropical to temperate regions. It thrives in full sun and well drained soils. In NSW it is often found growing on disturbed sites. 

Maps and records

• Recorded presence of Rattlepod during property inspections (Map: Biosecurity Information System - Weeds, 2017-2026)
  These records are made by authorised officers during property inspections under the Biosecurity Act 2015. Officers record the presence of priority weeds in their council area and provide this to the NSW Department of Primary Industries. Records reflect the presence of the weed on the date of inspection.
  
  

How does it spread?

By seed

Rattlepod produces viable seeds which are spread by people dumping garden waste or movement of contaminated soil.

References

Fern, K. (2014). Useful Tropical Plants Database: Crotalaria beddomeana. Retrieved 20 January 2026 from: https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Crotalaria+beddomeana

McKenzie, R. (2012). Australia's poisonous plants, fungi and cyanobacteria: a guide to species of medical and veterinary importance. CSIRO.

Richardson, F. J., Richardson, R. G., & Shepherd, R. C. H. (2011). Weeds of the south-east: an identification guide for Australia (No. Ed. 3). CSIRO.

PlantNET (The NSW Plant Information Network System). Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust, Sydney. Retrieved 20 January 2026 from: https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Crotalaria~beddomeana

Subramaniam, S., Pandey, A. K. & Shabir A. (2015). Systematic and adaptive significance of seed morphology in Crotalaria L. (Fabaceae) The International Journal of Plant Reproductive Biology 7(2) pp.135-146.

More information

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Control

Physical removal

Pull or dig out small plants. If plants have seeds, dispose of them appropriately.

Disposal

Contact your local council for information on disposal of rattlepod.

Chemical control

Spot spraying

Spray actively growing plants. Cover all of the foliage.

Herbicide options

See Using herbicides for more information.

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PERMIT 9907 Expires 31/03/2030
Glyphosate 360 g/L (Various products)
Rate: 200 mL per 10 L of water
Comments: Spray evenly to cover all the foliage. See permit for critical use comments.
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: 9 (previously group M), Inhibition of 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3 phosphate synthase (EPSP inhibition)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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Glyphosate 360 g/L (Various products)
Rate: 10 mL per 1 L water
Comments: Spot spray. For general weed control in domestic areas (home gardens), commercial, industrial and public service areas, agricultural buildings and other farm situations.
Withholding period: Nil.
Herbicide group: 9 (previously group M), Inhibition of 5-enolpyruvyl shikimate-3 phosphate synthase (EPSP inhibition)
Resistance risk: Moderate

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Biosecurity duty

The content provided here is for information purposes only and is taken from the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and its subordinate legislation, and the Regional Strategic Weed Management Plans (published by each Local Land Services region in NSW). It describes the state and regional priorities for weeds in New South Wales, Australia.

Area	Duty
All of NSW	General Biosecurity Duty All pest plants are regulated with a general biosecurity duty to prevent, eliminate or minimise any biosecurity risk they may pose. Any person who deals with any plant, who knows (or ought to know) of any biosecurity risk, has a duty to ensure the risk is prevented, eliminated or minimised, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Hunter	Regional Recommended Measure* (for Regional Priority - Eradication) Notify local control authority if found. Land managers should eradicate the plant from the land and keep the land free of the plant. A person should not deal with the plant, where dealings include but are not limited to buying, selling, growing, moving, carrying or releasing the plant.
	*To see the Regional Strategic Weeds Management Plans containing demonstrated outcomes that fulfil the general biosecurity duty for this weed click here

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Reviewed 2026