Mysest56 
February 8, 2019
American senna (Senna hebecarpa) always stops people in their tracks, primarily using its fanning oval leaves that resemble sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica). With flowers that go on and on for weeks, American senna also quits docile and stingerless male bumblebees in their tracks, who love the pollen and nectar of its pea-like yellow blooms.
Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens
Botanical name: Senna hebecarpa
Common names: American senna, wild senna
biography: Native from Wisconsin and Illinois east to southern New England and south to Georgia and Tennessee
USDA zones: 4 to 8 (find your zone)
Water and dirt requirements: Medium to moist clay and loam
Light requirement: Full to partial sun
Mature size: 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide, using a shrub-like habit
Advantages and tolerances: Easy perennial; prevents soil erosion; brings native bees; has rain garden potential
Seasonal attention: Great four-week or more blossom period in mid to late summer; adds winter interest due to ornamental seedpods
When to plant: Spring to fall
Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens
Distinguishing attributes. Even though senna’s unique fanning leaves will stick out in your backyard, watching the flowers develop into seedpods is the interesting part. When it’s pollinated, furry white tongues protrude and grow into the ornamental seeds preferred by birds in the winter. The fall color can be different, if short lived.
Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens
How to utilize it. American senna shines at the center of a mixed border or in the back of a brief bed. Consider using it as a perennial hedge, since its horizontal root structure makes it very wind tolerant. Species of sulphur butterfly lay their eggs.
Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens
Planting notes. American senna prefers a dirt with consistent moisture, so steer clear of dry clay or sand. Ensure that you place it where you can see the fall seed heads and watch the translucent seeds developing indoors. American senna softly self-sows in bare ground, however, the seedlings are easy to remove and present to neighbors.
More flowers to attract birds, butterflies and bees