Rattlebush   Sesbania drummondii    
Pea family — Fabaceae

Also known as:
Drummond's Sesbania, Poison Bean, Coffee Bean, Rattle Bean

Slides: (click for larger view)

Rattlebush is an erect, wandy plant to about ten feet tall that looks almost like a tiny tree, but that dies back to the ground in the winter. It prefers wet, low, open, squishy areas in roughly the southeastern half of the state. When mature, the four-sided fruits are brown and dry, and the seeds (which are poisonous!) can make quite a noise as they rattle around inside.

Dried Specimens: (click for larger view)

Flowering Months: May, June, July, August, September

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