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Maryland Senna

Senna marilandica

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Category
Forb / Wildflower
Sun
Full to Partial
Soil moisture
Medium-Wet to Medium-Dry
Bloom time
Jul–Aug
Bloom color
Yellow
Notes
Legume

About Maryland Senna

Maryland Senna is a stunning architectural perennial that closely resembles its cousin, Wild Senna, but is often found in slightly drier habitats. Reaching 3 to 6 feet in height, it produces lush, fern-like foliage and terminal clusters of striking yellow flowers from July through August. These blooms lack nectar but are rich in pollen, making them a primary destination for large bees. Native to the Central and Eastern United States, it is a common sight in open woods, savannas, and prairies. It performs best in full sun and well-drained, medium-moisture soil, though it can tolerate a variety of conditions including clay and sand. Maryland Senna serves as an important host plant for Sulphur butterflies and provides late-season interest with its long, decorative seed pods that turn black as they ripen. Its upright habit and deer resistance make it a reliable and low-maintenance choice for adding vertical interest and ecological value to a sunny garden border.

Native range

Native to 30 states:

AlabamaArkansasConnecticutD.C.DelawareFloridaGeorgiaIowaIllinoisIndianaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMassachusettsMarylandMissouriMississippiNorth CarolinaNebraskaNew JerseyNew YorkOhioOklahomaPennsylvaniaSouth CarolinaTennesseeTexasVirginiaWisconsinWest Virginia

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Senna marilandica

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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