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(Crotalaria juncea)
Sunn Hemp (Crotalaria juncea)
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manuel m. v.
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
manuel m. v.
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: manuel m. v. | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: M. Martin Vicente | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Crotalaria juncea, commonly known as Sunn Hemp, is a fast-growing annual herb native to the tropical savannas and open woodlands of South Asia and Southeast Asia. It typically reaches a height of 100–1000 cm (3.3–33 feet) and is characterized by its elongate, alternate leaves and many ascending branches. Sunn Hemp produces bright yellow, pea-like flowers during the summer, which are moderately showy and attract pollinators.
Sunn Hemp is valued for its rapid growth and ability to improve soil health due to its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, making it a popular green manure crop in sustainable agriculture. It is also used for fiber production, erosion control, and as a cover crop to suppress weeds. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and requires high amounts of water, preferring soils with fast drainage. While it is a useful plant in its native range and in managed agricultural systems, Crotalaria juncea can become invasive outside its native habitat, so caution is advised when planting it in new areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Sunn Hemp is valued for its rapid growth and ability to improve soil health due to its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, making it a popular green manure crop in sustainable agriculture. It is also used for fiber production, erosion control, and as a cover crop to suppress weeds. In cultivation, it thrives in full sun and requires high amounts of water, preferring soils with fast drainage. While it is a useful plant in its native range and in managed agricultural systems, Crotalaria juncea can become invasive outside its native habitat, so caution is advised when planting it in new areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-8 feet
- Width: 2-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention:
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to tropical savannas and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Indian-Hemp, Madras-Hemp, Brown Hemp, Sunn Crotalaria, Sunn-Hemp, Sann-Hemp, Sanhanf, Cáñamo San, Crotolaire Jonciforme, Chanvre Du Bengale
Scientific Names: , Crotalaria juncea, Crotalaria tenuifolia, Crotalaria benghalensis, Crotalaria porrecta, Crotalaria viminea, Crotalaria juncea var. bengalensis, Crotalaria juncea var. puncticulata, Crotalaria fenestrata, Crotalaria ferestrata
GBIF Accepted Name: Crotalaria juncea L.