Scarlet Wisteria (Sesbania punicea) OBX Button

This is a gorgeous plant that can't help but catch the eye. There is a dark side, however, as it is an invasive alien brought from South American to adorn gardens in America. It escaped cultivation and is rapidly spreading, especially in wetland and coastal areas, crowding out native species. It is also called "rattlebox" because the dried seed pods rattle. The seed pods are extremely toxic if eaten, even causing death. The seeds are easily spread by floating on water and have a germination rate of just around 100%. There is no denying the beauty of this plant, but realize the potential hazards of growing it.