August 22, 2008
Wild Senna, Senna hebecarpa
These large (6-foot tall) legumes growing in the Kingsley Park bioswale look a lot like Black Locusts until you notice that the plants produce panicles of bright yellow flowers. They are native perennial wetland plants that were introduced into the bioswale as part of the initial seed mix. Wild Senna are especially attractive to bumblebees, which collect the pollen. The caterpillars of some Sulfur butterflies rely on Senna species. as a source of food. Seeds are borne in 4 inch long pods, and may be eaten by some birds.