Rattlebox Sesbania punicea (Cav.) Fabaceae

Biology Native to South AmericaNative to South America Introduced as an ornamental for attractive leaves and showy flowersIntroduced as an ornamental for attractive leaves and showy flowers Extremely poisonous, especially seedExtremely poisonous, especially seed

Distribution & Impacts Scattered infestations throughout FloridaScattered infestations throughout Florida Moist, wet environments – riverbanks, swamps, wetlandsMoist, wet environments – riverbanks, swamps, wetlands Forms dense thicketsForms dense thickets –Displace native vegetation –Impedes water flow, flood control –Reduces recreational usage

Rattlebox Distribution in Florida

Identification

Mature Plant Woody shrub, grows up to 15 feet tallWoody shrub, grows up to 15 feet tall Bark is grayish to reddish brown, covered with lenticels (small pits)Bark is grayish to reddish brown, covered with lenticels (small pits)

Leaves Alternately arrangedAlternately arranged Compound with 7 to 16 pairs of small leafletsCompound with 7 to 16 pairs of small leaflets Opposite arrangement of leaflets, each possessing a rounded leaflet tipOpposite arrangement of leaflets, each possessing a rounded leaflet tip

Flowers Flowers are brilliant red in colorFlowers are brilliant red in color Hang in clustersHang in clusters Thin, pod-like fruit, containing several seedThin, pod-like fruit, containing several seed Thousands seeds per plant, remain dormant in soil for several yearsThousands seeds per plant, remain dormant in soil for several years

Management PreventativeCulturalMechanicalBiologicalChemical

Preventative 1.Limit planting as an ornamental 2.Remove existing plants, including resprouts and before seeds are produced 3.Remove plants from flowing water areas initially to avoid seed spread via water 4.Constant monitoring due to soil seed bank

Cultural 1.Alternative landscape plants to replace rattlebox 2.Programs to educate homeowners about the problems associated with this plant and proper identification 3.Maintain good ground cover and mixture of plant species to reduce establishment

Biological 1.There are no known biological control agents available for rattlebox management in Florida or the southeastern U.S.

Mechanical 1.Hand pull young seedlings, repeated pulling for germinating seedlings 2.Mowing or cutting is effective, although likely impractical, but must be repeated to control resprouts and germinating seedling

Chemical 1.Over-the-top applications of glyphosate at 2 to 3% solution plus 0.25% surfactant 2.Foliar applications of triclopyr at 1 to 2% with 0.25% surfactant 3.Thoroughly wet leaves with herbicide 4.Retreatment necessary for complete eradication

Useful Links Floridata Homepage: =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm =Welcome&viewsrc=welcome.htm University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants: The Plant Conservation Alliance's Alien Plant Working Group. Weeds Gone Wild: Alien Plant Invaders of Natural Areas:

Useful Links Invasive Plants of the Eastern United States: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Plants Database:

Literature Cited Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks Identification and Biology of Non- Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp.Langeland, K.A. and K. Craddock Burks Identification and Biology of Non- Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville. 165 pp.