Senna hebecarpa is an underutilized, easy-to-grow native perennial shrub. It sports the beautiful foliage characteristic of legumes, buttery yellow summer flowers that attract tons of pollinators, and prominent seed pods that provide fall and winter garden interest as they turn from green to nearly black, serving as winter food for birds.

It is a vigorous grower that reaches 4-5' tall on strong stems that withstand wind and rain alike. It can spread a bit underground and by seed, so is not appropriate next to smaller plants. But for these reasons it makes an excellent seasonal hedge or 'living fence.' In the shade, it may not stay as upright but will instead arch gracefully over its neighbors if unsupported.

It is not particularly picky about its soils, and can be grown in full or partial sun. In our experience deer leave it alone.

This reliable native is great for gardens, restoration, meadows and roadsides, and can function nicely as a stand-alone specimen plant or massed.

We are still evaluating its usefulness as an impressive, unusual cut-flower in both flowering and seed stages. While it makes a great cut with green or black seed pods, so far the foliage, as with many legumes, tends to wilt in our experience.