Great Design Plant: American Senna (Senna hebecarpa)

Plant Profile

American senna stops visitors with fern‑like foliage and weeks of yellow pea‑flowers loved by bumblebees. Native from Wisconsin to Georgia.

Key Features

• Zones 4–8. Full to part sun.
• Medium to moist clay/loam.
• 4–6 ft tall, 3–5 ft wide, shrubby habit.
• Prevents erosion, rain garden potential, attracts native bees.
• 4+ week mid‑late summer bloom; ornamental seedpods for winter interest.

Distinguishing Traits

Unique fanning leaves. Flowers develop into furry white tongues, then ornamental seedpods favored by birds. Brief but distinct fall color.

Uses

Center of mixed border, back of short bed, perennial hedge (horizontal roots = wind tolerant). Host plant for sulphur butterflies.

Planting Notes

Consistent moisture—avoid dry clay/sand. Site where seedpods visible. Light self‑sow in bare soil; seedlings easy to remove/share.