6 CIRCULAR 137, U. 8S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 
similar to those of loco weed (Astragalus mollissimus Torr.), when 
fed green. No trouble has been reported on this species for many 
years, however. Other species under suspicion are C. rotundifolia 
(Walt.) Poirr. (9), C. ineana (18), C. mitchellii Benth. (18), C. dura 
Wood and Evans (72, 16), (. juncea (1), C. globifera K. Mey. (12), 
CO. zimmermannit Baker (3), C. polysperma Kotschy (3), and @. 
alata Hamilton (2). 
VALUE FOR GREEN MANURE 
On the sandy lands at Gainesville, Fla., both corn and sweetpota- 
toes gave increased yields following Crotalaria striata in comparison 
with yields following a nonlegume. The 2-year average yield of 
corn following crotalaria was 19.68 bushels, whereas after a nonle- 
gume the yield was 11.76 bushels. The 2-year average yield of 
sweetpotatoes following crotalaria was 58.86 bushels, and after a 
nonlegume 31.79 bushels. No other data regarding its effect on the 
yield of subsequent crops are available. However, wherever crota- 
laria will make good growth it is probable that its use for green 
manure will be beneficial. 
In addition to planting corn following crotalaria in Florida and 
somewhat farther north, crotalaria can also be planted between the 
rows of corn at the last cultivation of the corn around June 1. A 
very good growth will be attained before frost. 
Crotalaria volunteers very readily in corn, and if cultivation is not 
carried too late in the summer it will generally mature seed and 
reseed itself each year. 
Crotalaria striata is grown extensively in the citrus groves of the 
sandy ridge section of central Florida as a summer green-manure 
crop. The main portion of seed planted in the State is in the 
young citrus groves, where its use is increasing steadily. The older 
groves furnish too much shade for crotalaria to grow properly. 
The yield of (. striata for green manure on these sandy lands has 
been greater than that of other legumes tried in comparison. 
Crotalaria spectabilis and C. striata are used to some extent in 
the pecan groves of the coastal plains region of the Southeastern 
States. C. spectabilis in particular is becoming popular for this 
purpose in western Florida. Some interest is manifested in crota- 
laria as a green-manure crop for the early-potato areas of Florida. 
Crotalaria is particularly well adapted as a green-manure crop on 
land to be used for growing winter truck crops. 
ORNAMENTAL VALUE 
Many of the Crotalaria species have large showy flowers, and a 
few of these species are well suited for ornamental purposes. 
C’. retusa has long racemes of showy yellow flowers with the back 
of the standard shaded or striped purple, and as the plants are com- 
paratively small, it is well suited for borders. It also has value as 
a greenhouse plant for cut flowers. It comes into bloom early and 
continues until midsummer in Florida and until late summer and 
fall farther north. Its period of development is sufficiently short 
so that 1t can be used in the open as far north as Washington, D. C., 
where it will supply September bloom. 
