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Shack shack
Shack shack
Shack shack
Shack shack
Shack shack
Shack shack
Shack shack
Crotalaria retusa
Also known as : Noxious weed
Many US states classify shack shack (Crotalaria retusa) as a noxious weed since it is a fast-spreading, drought-tolerant plant. The plant is toxic to humans and livestock, containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. However, despite all these negatives shack shack at least produces attractive hood-shaped yellow flowers.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
9 to 11
more
plant_info

Key Facts About Shack shack

Attributes of Shack shack

Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Bloom Time
Late summer, Early fall
Plant Height
60 cm to 1.5 m
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃

Scientific Classification of Shack shack

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distribution

Distribution of Shack shack

Habitat of Shack shack

Coastal grassland, riversides, waste places, fields, open places in deciduous dipterocarp forests
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of Shack shack

Shack shack has a native presence in multiple regions, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The plant also enjoys an introduced status across significant portions of the Americas, with a more limited introduced range spanning areas of Europe and the Pacific islands. While shack shack has been noted as invasive in certain locales such as the Pacific islands and parts of South America, its influence on ecosystems in these regions is nuanced and may vary, often having some impact on local biodiversity.
distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
habit
question

Questions About Shack shack

Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
Temperature Temperature Temperature
What is the best way to water my Shack shack?
Not only does the Shack shack have certain preferences regarding how much water it receives, but it also cares deeply about how you provide that water. In fact, if you don't use the proper watering technique, you risk harming your tomatoes. The best way to water Shack shack is to apply the water directly to the soil in a slow and gentle manner. You should not pour all of the water into the soil at once, and you should not do overhead watering for your Shack shack. Although you should water slowly, you should also water deeply to ensure that all of the soil in which your Shack shack grows is sufficiently moist.
Read More more
What should I do if I water my Shack shack too much or too little?
If you find that you have overwatered your Shack shack and you are concerned about the associated risk of disease, you should intervene immediately. Often the best approach for an overwatered Shack shack is to uproot it from its current growing location. Once the plant is out of the ground, you can allow its roots to dry a bit before planting it in a new growing location. Ensure that the new growing location has soil with good drainage. If you grow in pots, you may also want to move your plant to a pot with more or larger drainage holes. In the case of underwatering, all you will need to do is increase the frequency with which you supply water to your plant.
Read More more
How often should I water my Shack shack?
Overall, Shack shack requires a significant amount of water throughout the growing season. To meet that high water need, you'll need to water early and often throughout the spring and summer. During the earlier parts of the growing season, you should water your Shack shack about once or twice per week. As the season progresses, you should increase your watering frequency. You may need to water it twice per day or more during summer, depending on the weather. After your Shack shack have gone through their major seasonal growth phases, you can reduce the frequency of your watering to about once per week until the end of the growing season.
Read More more
How much water does my Shack shack need?
Since Shack shack are incredibly popular, with many professional and amateur gardeners growing them successfully, we have a pretty clear idea of how to care for these plants. That understanding includes specific knowledge about the precise volume of water an average Shack shack should receive. Generally, Shack shack will require about 1 - 1.5 inches of water per week. That volume should be dispersed evenly through your weekly watering. As the weather gets warmer, you may need to supply more water, but in most cases, two inches per week is a good baseline amount.
Read More more
How can I tell if i'm watering my Shack shack enough?
Underwatering and overwatering can both occur as problems for your Shack shack, and both these problems can manifest with similar symptoms. For example, foliage discoloration and wilting can both result from either overwatering or underwatering. When your Shack shack is underwatered, its leaves will be curling and drooping at the beginning. You will see a bunch of leaves turn less vigorous. Underwatering is also likely to cause stunted growth and poor overall development as both the flowers and this plant require a high amount of water. Overwatering is more likely to lead to disease, including rot. Overwatering may also lead to unpleasant smells rising from your plant's soil. The symptoms of underwatering will show up quicker than overwatering. Overwatering can also be evident in soil conditions. Mainly, if you notice a lot of standing water or waterlogged soils, overwatering is likely to occur.
Read More more
How should I water my Shack shack through the seasons?
As alluded to above, your Shack shack's water needs will repeatedly change throughout the seasons. During most of spring and summer, you should water your Shack shack about once every week. As the heat of summer arrives, you should plan to increase your watering frequency to once or twice per day. In the late summer and fall, towards the end of the harvest period, you can reduce your watering frequency to about once per week. After harvest has ended, you can cease watering as your Shack shack has reached the end of its life cycle and will require no further soil moisture.
The maintenance schedule of Shack shack will require you to alter the amount of water you provide depending on the plant's current growth stage. Early on, especially if you grow your Shack shack from seeds, you'll need to provide water often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture, which encourages root development. When the plant becomes old enough to produce flowers, it will likely need even more water. During the fruit development growth stage, your Shack shack will likely need the most water out of any growth period, at times requiring water more than twice per day. Following that phase, the water needs of Shack shack will decline significantly.
Read More more
What's the difference between watering Shack shack indoors and outdoors?
Whether you grow Shack shack indoors or outdoors can also play a role in how you water them. Shack shack that grows outdoors may receive water from natural rainfall, which will reduce the amount of supplemental water you should supply. However, it is incredibly rare for rainfall to adequately replace your watering entirely. Plants that grow indoors, along with any Shack shack that grows in a container, will need to be watered more frequently than those that grow in the ground outdoors. If you choose this route, please make sure that the plant gets enough water by checking the soil moisture within your pot often to keep your Shack shack healthy.
Read More more
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More Info on Shack Shack Growth and Care

Basic Care Guide
Lighting
Full sun
Shack shack has an affinity for exposure to lots of light. Sunlight nourishes its health and promotes growth, playing a crucial part across all growth stages. Originating from environments rich in light intensity, shack shack can suffer from both growth and health issues if the light is too scarce or overly abundant.
Best Sunlight Practices
Temperature
0 - 43 ℃
Shack shack is natively grown in regions exhibiting temperature range of 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It prefers this mid to high temperature range for optimum growth. Seasonal temperature adjustment may be necessary to maintain this range.
Temp for Healthy Growth
other_plant

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Chinese mugwort
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Chinese violet
Chinese violet
Chinese violet (Asystasia gangetica) is an erect or climbing plant that can grow to be 91 cm tall. It has weak, hairy stems. It is an invasive plant with seeds that disperse and spread aggressively. Chinese violet is native to Africa but grows on nearly every continent.
Arrowleaf sida
Arrowleaf sida
Arrowleaf sida (Sida rhombifolia) is a perennial plant with delicate yellow blooms on stiff, almost woody stems. The stems are used to make brooms, giving it the common name "broom jute." It is also used to make cord and twine.
Orchid tree
Orchid tree
Orchid tree (Bauhinia variegata) is a partially deciduous shrub-like tree that can grow from 6 to 8 m tall. Large fragrant flowers resembling orchids blossom from winter to spring. The colors of the flowers range from orchid purple to light pink all in the same blossom. A fast-growing tree that blooms best in full sun makes a spectacular street tree when grown in warm climates.
Chinese silver grass
Chinese silver grass
Chinese silver grass is a perennial grass that can grow 91 to 213 cm. It forms dense clumps from an underground rhizome. The chinese silver grass is grown mainly as an ornamental grass, with silvery leaves and flowers that vary in color based on the cultivar. Be careful where you plant this type of grass; in some zones it can become invasive.
Bradford pear
Bradford pear
The bradford pear is native to China but is considered invasive in the U.S. and Australia. Although it does not self-pollinate, it can become invasive by hybridizing with other plants to create fertile fruits that may seed in natural areas. The bradford pear creates large populations of fruits that are spread by birds and animals, readily rooting in disturbed areas. It also forms thick colonies that may compete with other native species for natural resources. Alternative plants include the Trident Maple and the Serviceberry. The bradford pear can be controlled by manually pulling young plants, and a range of herbicides such as oil-based herbicides, foliar herbicides, and both basal bark and stump treatments. It is important to remove seed sources as the weed can reinvade areas where it has been previously removed.
Poison ivy
Poison ivy
In pop culture, poison ivy is a symbol of an obnoxious weed because, despite its unthreatening looks, it gives a highly unpleasant contact rash to the unfortunate person who touches it. Still, it is commonly eaten by many animals, and the seeds are a favorite with birds. The leaves turn bright red in fall. Its sister species, Western poison ivy (Toxicodendron rydbergii), is not considered to be invasive in the United States, but is noxious in Australia and New Zealand.
Pokeweed
Pokeweed
Although its berries look juicy and tempting, the fruits and the root of pokeweed are toxic and should not be eaten. Pokeweed is considered a pest species by farmers but is nevertheless often grown as an ornamental plant. Its berries can be made into pokeberry ink as well.
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Distribution
Care FAQ
More About How-Tos
Related Plants
Shack shack
Shack shack
Shack shack
Shack shack
Shack shack
Shack shack
Shack shack
Crotalaria retusa
Also known as: Noxious weed
Many US states classify shack shack (Crotalaria retusa) as a noxious weed since it is a fast-spreading, drought-tolerant plant. The plant is toxic to humans and livestock, containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. However, despite all these negatives shack shack at least produces attractive hood-shaped yellow flowers.
Hardiness Zones
Hardiness Zones
9 to 11
more
plant_info

Key Facts About Shack shack

Attributes of Shack shack

Lifespan
Annual
Plant Type
Herb
Bloom Time
Late summer, Early fall
Plant Height
60 cm to 1.5 m
Flower Size
2.5 cm to 5 cm
Flower Color
Yellow
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
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Scientific Classification of Shack shack

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distribution

Distribution of Shack shack

Habitat of Shack shack

Coastal grassland, riversides, waste places, fields, open places in deciduous dipterocarp forests
Northern Hemisphere
South Hemisphere

Distribution Map of Shack shack

Shack shack has a native presence in multiple regions, including parts of Africa, Asia, and Oceania. The plant also enjoys an introduced status across significant portions of the Americas, with a more limited introduced range spanning areas of Europe and the Pacific islands. While shack shack has been noted as invasive in certain locales such as the Pacific islands and parts of South America, its influence on ecosystems in these regions is nuanced and may vary, often having some impact on local biodiversity.
distribution map
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
question

Questions About Shack shack

Watering Watering Watering
Sunlight Sunlight Sunlight
Temperature Temperature Temperature
What is the best way to water my Shack shack?
more
What should I do if I water my Shack shack too much or too little?
more
How often should I water my Shack shack?
more
How much water does my Shack shack need?
more
How can I tell if i'm watering my Shack shack enough?
more
How should I water my Shack shack through the seasons?
more
What's the difference between watering Shack shack indoors and outdoors?
more
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Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
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care_scenes

More Info on Shack Shack Growth and Care

Basic Care Guide
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Plants Related to Shack shack

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80+ scholars in botany and gardening
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Lighting
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Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips.
Requirements
Full sun
Ideal
Above 6 hours sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness.
Essentials
Shack shack has an affinity for exposure to lots of light. Sunlight nourishes its health and promotes growth, playing a crucial part across all growth stages. Originating from environments rich in light intensity, shack shack can suffer from both growth and health issues if the light is too scarce or overly abundant.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
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Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
View more
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Insufficient Light in %s
Shack shack thrives in full sunlight and is commonly cultivated outdoors. When grown indoors with limited light, it may exhibit subtle symptoms of light deficiency that can easily go unnoticed.
View more
(Symptom details and solutions)
Small leaves
New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.
Leggy or sparse growth
The spaces between leaves or stems of your Shack shack may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.
Faster leaf drop
When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.
Slower or no new growth
Shack shack enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.
Lighter-colored new leaves
Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.
Solutions
1. To ensure optimal growth, gradually move plants to a sunnier location each week, until they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Use a south-facing window and keep curtains open during the day for maximum sunlight exposure and nutrient accumulation.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.
Symptoms of Excessive light in %s
Shack shack thrives in full sun exposure and can tolerate intense sunlight. With their remarkable resilience, symptoms of sunburn may not be easily visible, as they rarely suffer from it.
View more
(Symptom details and solutions)
Chlorosis
Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
Sunscald
Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.
Leaf Curling
Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.
Wilting
Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.
Leaf Scorching
Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.
Solutions
1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive abundant sunlight but also have some shade. An east-facing window is an ideal choice as the morning sunlight is gentler. This way, your plant can enjoy ample sunlight while reducing the risk of sunburn.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.
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Temperature
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Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
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Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care.
Essentials
Shack shack is natively grown in regions exhibiting temperature range of 68 to 100.4 °F (20 to 38 ℃). It prefers this mid to high temperature range for optimum growth. Seasonal temperature adjustment may be necessary to maintain this range.
Regional wintering strategies
Shack shack prefers relatively warm temperatures, so maintaining temperatures above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min} during winter cultivation is beneficial for plant growth. The minimum temperature should be kept above freezing point to prevent the plant from freezing damage. When the outdoor temperature approaches -5°C (25°F) during winter, it is advisable to bring Shack shack indoors or provide protection by setting up a temporary greenhouse or using materials such as plastic film or fabric to wrap the plant.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Low Temperature in %s
Shack shack has moderate tolerance to low temperatures and thrives best when the temperature is between {Suitable_growth_temperature_min} and {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, the leaves may darken in color. In severe cases, water-soaked necrosis, wilting, and drooping may occur, and the color of the leaves gradually turns brown.
Solutions
Trim away the frost-damaged parts. Immediately move indoors to a warm environment or set up a makeshift greenhouse for cold protection. When placing the plant indoors, choose a location near a south-facing window to ensure ample sunlight. If there is insufficient light, you can use supplemental lighting.
Symptoms of High Temperature in %s
During summer, Shack shack should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the plant's growth slows down, the color of its leaves becomes lighter, and it becomes more susceptible to sunburn.
Solutions
Trim away the sunburned and dried-up parts. Move the plant to a location that provides shade from the afternoon sun. Water the plant in the morning and evening to keep the soil moist.
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