Wild Senna

About Wild Senna

Wild Senna, also known as American Senna, is a majestic, shrub-like perennial that adds both height and a tropical flair to the native landscape. Growing 3 to 6 feet tall, it features elegant, pinnately compound leaves and bright clusters of buttery-yellow flowers with dark centers. Blooming in mid to late summer, these flowers are a favorite of bumblebees, which use 'buzz pollination' to release the pollen. Native to the Eastern United States, Wild Senna is typically found in moist meadows, alluvial thickets, and along riverbanks. It thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, fertile soils, though it is quite adaptable once established. Beyond its floral beauty, it is a critical host plant for several species of Sulphur butterflies, and its seeds provide food for wild turkeys and other birds. This sturdy legume is an excellent choice for creating a living screen or adding structure to a large pollinator garden, and its deep taproot makes it very drought-tolerant.