Editor's note: Once a month, gardeners at OSU Extension volunteer to describe a naturally grown plant in Franklin County, central Ohio.
Senna (or Cassia) hippicarpa, commonly known as wild senna, is a plant with bright green leaves and bright yellow flowers in July and August. It is a member of the pea family. This beautiful grass is found naturally in prairies, along rivers, in savannas, and along roads, but due to recent development, its numbers are declining.
Wild senna can grow 3-6 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. It has a horizontal root system that makes it wind-resistant. In the home garden, it is an excellent native choice behind small perennials or used as a hedge.
natural plant. Erosion control and wildlife preservation are among the many benefits of growing shrubs
Wild senna is mostly unbranched, with a light green central stem adorned with medium-green, flat-topped compound leaves containing 5-10 pairs of flattened, oblong leaves. At the base of each leaf is a small nectar outside the flowers that attracts insects such as ants, beetles, and flies, which is thought to protect the plant from other insects that might harm the foliage. In addition to protecting this army of insects, the wild senna plant is a host plant for the reticulated sulfur butterfly, whose larvae feed on specific leaves and flowers.
The striking yellow flowers are gathered in clusters and begin to bloom white when ripe. The flowers contain no nectar, but they do contain highly nutritious pollen that bees and bumblebees use. The seed pods are flat and about 4 inches long. In late fall, they turn brown and rustle slightly in the cool breeze, adding wintry charm to the landscape. These seeds are loved by larger birds such as white quail and wild turkeys.
Native plant. Early flowering yellow woody tulip suitable for a garden of native plants
Native Americans used the root of the plant to treat high fever, pneumonia, and as a remedy for worms. The leaves and seeds are used in modern medicine as a laxative and today you can find it on the shelves of pharmacies.
Wild Senna is hardy, low maintenance, and a beautiful addition to any home garden, benefiting from a variety of wildlife and providing interest all year round.
Hardiness Zone : 4a-9b
Sun : full sun to partial shade
Water : moderately moist, tolerant of periodic flooding, tolerant of drought after foundation
Prefers loamy, fertile soils , but tolerates sand, stones and clay
Storage . It may cut off ripe seed heads in fall to avoid dispersal
reproduction . It is easy to grow in late fall or early spring by seed or by dividing the plant from a root ball
Pests and diseases . No major insect problems, deer resistant
This article originally appeared in The Columbus Dispatch; Wild senna is easy to grow and low in maintenance.
