Senna marilandica (Maryland senna)

Maryland senna is an erect, shrubby plant with showy pea-like yellow flowers that develop and grow into dark brown seedpods that attract birds and add winter interest to the garden. Does well in partial to full sun and moist to mesic conditions. Prefers a rich loamy soil but tolerates sandy and rocky soils. Drought tolerant once established. Grows 4–6' tall and 3–6' wide. (Looks much like its American senna relative,  except that the seedpods of Maryland senna remain tightly closed until the end of the season, and the American senna plant readily opens its pods and allows the seeds to fall out.) 

Maryland senna is native to moist forested areas and disturbed areas in eastern North America. Attracts bumblebees. Host plant for various sulphur butterflies. Seeds may be eaten by some upland gamebirds. Insects like ladybird beetles, ants, and flies eat the nectar at the glands found at the base of the petioles because the flowers are nectarless. Deer and other herbivores usually avoid the plant because the foliage is somewhat toxic and cathartic.

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

Photo from Flickr