Senna hebecarpa (wild senna)

Wild senna is a beautiful herbaceous perennial that grows to 6' tall. It has a bushy habit with clusters of yellow flowers and compound leaves. Blooms in July and August. Easy to care for. Plants in this genus can cause poisoning and fatal illness in humans. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person's age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable. 

Wild senna is native to eastern North America, where it occurs in moist open woods and disturbed areas. It is highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds, and is of special value to bumblebees. It also serves as a host plant to the cloudless sulphur larvae. Interestingly, the petioles have a gland that also secretes nectar (considered extra-floral nectaries), attracting certain insects, including ants and ladybird beetles. Wild senna produces pea-like seed pods, which may be eaten by upland gamebirds, including the northern bobwhite quail.

BONAP Native Range Map. Bright green indicates native to the county, dark green indicates native to the state.

Photo courtesy of Unity Church Hill Nursery