Wild senna is an underrated plant with striking yellow blooms and attractive foliage. Exposure to full sun provides the energy for more flowers. It is a host plant for sulphur butterflies ( Phoebis sennae, Phoebis philea, and Abaeis nicippe). Birds appreciate the many seedpods, and the plant is an essential food source for game birds like quail.

Yet, In the home landscaping, this wildflower is underappreciated. In nature, it can be found in meadows, pastures, roadsides and long riverbanks.

Quick Growing Guide

Botanical Name: Senna hebecarpa

Also Called: American Senna

En français: Sené sauvage

See More Plants in this Botanical Family:

Colour:

Blooms:

Sun / Shade:

Hardiness Zones:

Propagation Control Needed

Wild senna reproduces easily from seeds released by the plant or begun in the early fall, and through root division in the early spring or fall. To keep the number of plants in the garden under control, clip back ripe seed heads in late summer and early fall. Once established, this plant is drought resistant.

Medicinal Uses

Many centuries ago, its leaves were utilised for cathartic tea. Today, the leaves and seeds are utilised as a laxative. Indigenous peoples utilise the plant’s root to treat high fevers, as a worm medicine, to treat fainting episodes, and to treat pneumonia.

Comments

Leave a Reply

More From Gardening Calendar

Early Goldenrod

Grow Early Goldenrod, Solidago juncea, a resilient herbaceous perennial with bright yellow flowers. This adaptable wildflower of the Asteraceae family withstands poor, dry soils and full sun, and with minimal maintenance, can fill spaces with its profusion of flowers and slen,der shrub-like appearance. Learn when and how to care for it and how to distinguish it from its cousins!

10 Weeping Evergreens for Winter Interest

Admire the stately beauty of weeping trees in your garden any time of year! Get to know our top 10 varieties for cold climates, from the Weeping Alaskan Cedar to the Weeping Colorado Spruce. Perfect for creating a peaceful focal point in your garden.

Seed Collection and Saving

Collect your ripe seed easily and quickly with this simple guide! Learn how to identify ripe seeds, the best time to collect them, and how to protect them from hungry critters. Whether your are collecting dahlia or milkweed seeds, use this guide to ensure successful seed collection and optimal germination rate.