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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Senna marilandica is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.8 m (2ft 7in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
It can fix Nitrogen.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Cassia marylandica. L. C. medsgeri.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Cardiac Cathartic Diuretic Febrifuge Poultice Vermifuge

The leaves and seedpods are cathartic, diuretic and vermifuge[1, 11, 21, 46]. The leaves are harvested before and during flowering, the pods are harvested when fully ripe in the autumn. Both are dried for later use[238]. The leaves are a safe and effective cathartic[207, 213]. They are best used with Foeniculum vulgare seeds in order to counteract a tendency to cause gripe[207, 213]. The seedpods can also be used and are milder but slower in their action[222]. The seeds have been soaked in water until they are mucilaginous and then swallowed as a treatment for sore throats[213, 257]. The root is cardiac and febrifuge[257]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of fevers and heart problems[257]. A poultice of the root has been used in treating sores[257].

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in most well-drained soils but prefers an open sandy loam in a sunny sheltered position[1, 11, 200]. Established plants are drought tolerant[200]. Succeeds in light shade, but the plant is much less vigorous when grown in dry shade[200]. Although fairly cold-tolerant, plants can be killed in very severe weather, so it is best to mulch the roots of mature plants in bad winters[11]. Younger plants should be mulched each winter until they are well established[200]. Slugs are very attracted to this plant[K]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - scarify and then pre-soak the seed for 2 - 3 hours in warm water before sowing it from early spring to early summer in a warm greenhouse[138]. The seed usually germinates in 1 - 12 weeks at 23°c[138]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse. Do not plant them out until the following spring[138]. Division as growth commences in spring[11]. Cuttings of moderately ripe wood, July in a frame[1].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so itâ€™s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Colutea arborescens	Bladder Senna	Shrub	3.6	4-8	F	LMH	SN	DM	0	2	4
Colutea istria	Bladder-senna	Shrub	3.0	6-9		LMH	SN	DM	0	0	2
Coronilla emerus	Scorpion Senna	Shrub	2.7	5-9		LM	N	DM	0	1
Senna alata	Ringworm Bush, Candle Bush, Empress Candle Plant	Shrub	4.0	10-12	F	LMH	N	M	2	4	2
Senna auriculata	Matara Tea. Tanner's cassia	Tree	5.0	10-12	F	LMH	N	DMWe	2	3	2
Senna siamea	Siamese Senna, Kassod Tree	Tree	12.0	9-12	F	LMH	SN	M	1	1	4
Senna singueana	Winter cassia, Sticky pod	Tree	5.0	10-12	F	LMH	N	M	2	3	3
Senna tora	Stinking Cassia, Sickle senna	Annual	1.0	0-0		LMH	SN	M	1	3	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

Senna marilandica - (L.)Link.