Senna ligustrina (Privet Senna)
Privet Senna, Privet Wild Sensitive Plant, Cassia bahamensis, Cassia ligustrina, Ditremexa ligustrina, Peiranisia bahamensis
Senna ligustrina (Privet Senna) is an evergreen perennial shrub boasting a profusion of 5-petaled, bright yellow flowers from fall to spring, occasionally in summer. Borne in axillary clusters (5-10 and more), they attract sulfur butterflies and bees. The blossoms give way to thin bean pods, about 5 in. long (12 cm), that turn brown when ripe. The foliage is quite handsome with its long, pinnately compound leaves, comprised of many dark green, linear to lanceolate-shaped leaflets. The leaves make an excellent backdrop for the beautiful bright yellow flowers. Native to Southwest Florida, Privet Senna occurs naturally in hammocks and disturbed areas. It is a wonderful addition to any butterfly garden and requires minimal maintenance once established.
- Grows up to 4-8 ft. tall (120-240 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm).
- Performs best in full sun to light shade in dry to slightly moist well-drained sand. Can grow in nutrient-poor soils but does better with some organic content. Does not tolerate flooding by salt or brackish water and has a low tolerance to salt wind.
- No serious insect or disease problems.
- Privet Senna is a prolific self-seeder and should be pruned to prevent an abundance of seedlings.
- Propagate by seed.
- The plant is highly toxic to horses if consumed. The pollen from privet cassia can cause symptoms of asthma and eczema.
- Native to Southwest Florida.
Buy Senna ligustrina (Privet Senna)
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 4' – 8' (120cm – 240cm) |
Spread | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 72" (90cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Florida |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Roberto Pascual Gomez, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 9
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Shrubs |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 4' – 8' (120cm – 240cm) |
Spread | 3' – 6' (90cm – 180cm) |
Spacing | 36" – 72" (90cm – 180cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Florida |
Tolerance | Drought |
Attracts | Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |