Seedbox, also known as rattlebox, is a herbaceous perennial native to eastern North America where it is found in wet areas such as swamps and marshes. The common names come from the characteristics of the seed capsule which is shaped like a cubical box and contains numerous seeds that rattle when shaken. The bright yellow flowers are solitary, three quarter inch across, and consist of four petals that quickly fall off. Each flower is borne on a short stem (pedicle) in the axils of the upper leaves over a long bloom period during the summer. The slender dark green leaves are up to four inches long and are borne on reddish stems. Seed box is an excellent plant for use in the wet zone of a rain garden or other wet areas with full sun or light shade.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Bright yellow, solitary flowers with four petals during the summer
Size: 24-36″ H x 18-24″ W
Light: Full sun to light shade
Soil: Average, moist
Care: Low maintenance
Hardiness: Zones
Pests and Diseases: None of importance
Propagation: Seeds (sow in fall or stratify for 1-2 months and sow in spring)
Companion Plants: Marsh marigold (Caltha palustris), monkey flower (Mimulus ringens), cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), great blue lobelis (Lobelia siphlitica), soft rush (Juncus effusus), blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) tussock sedge (Carex stricta).
Karen Meyers