This erect, shrubby herbaceous perennial is the larval food source for two sulphur butterflies. Clusters of brownish yellow, pea-like flowers top unbranched stems in summer. Flowers give way to arching, pea-like seed pods (to 4 in. long) which turn black in fall and ornamental through winter. Feathery, compound, locustlike, green leaves. Host plant for larvae of the Sleepy Orange butterflly.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Wild Senna
Senna marilandica
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennials
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Yellow
Fall Color:
USDA PLANTS Range Map
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Photo: Mervin Wallace
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate
Nature Attracting
Butterfly, Pollinators/Beneficial Insects
Wildlife Benefit
Butterfly / Moth Host, Food/Birds, Food/Pollinators, Food/Small Animals
Animal
Resistance
Deer Resistant, Rabbit Resistant
Size
Height:
36 to
60
inches
Spread:
24 to
36
inches
Size
Height: 36 to
60
inches
Spread: 24 to
36
inches
Size
Height: 36 to
60
inches
Spread: 24 to
36
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Use as a focal point or at the back of perennial borders and native plant gardens. Can also be planted in flood plains, open woods and wet meadows.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in full sun to part shade in average to moist soil. Can self sow abundantly.
Special Features
Special Usage
Dried Flower
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.