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Senna marilandica - (L.)Link.

Common Name Wild Senna, Maryland senna
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness 4-8
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Thickets and dry roadsides[43]. Disturbed areas, sandy fields and open woods in Texas[274].
Range South-eastern N. America - Pennsylvania to Florida, Kansas and Iowa.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Senna marilandica Wild Senna, Maryland senna


Senna marilandica Wild Senna, Maryland senna

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
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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FOOD FOREST PLANTS

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

Temperature Converter

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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

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

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 it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Senna alataRingworm Bush, Candle Bush, Empress Candle PlantShrub4.0 10-12 FLMHNM242
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Senna toraStinking Cassia, Sickle sennaAnnual1.0 0-0  LMHSNM131

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.

 

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Author

(L.)Link.

Botanical References

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Subject : Senna marilandica  
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