Desertsenna

Senna armata

Desertsenna

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Senna
Species:
Senna armata

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub
Height:
3-4 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
Bloom Colors:
Yellow
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California, Nevada

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid desert regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: Seeds are soaked for 45 to 60 minutes in a 50:50 bleach and water solution, then soaked for 12 to 24 hours in water prior to sowing.

Establishment: Seeds are hand collected when pods have matured and begin to split open. Senna armata is found below 3,700 ft elevation in sandy washes and open places in the Colorado and Mojave deserts in Nevada, Arizona and Southern California.

Source: npn.rngr.net