Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Sesbania

Species:

Sesbania tomentosa

USDA Symbol:

SETO3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

300 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec

Bloom Colors:

yellow, orange, red

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Caterpillars:

★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

bees, birds

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Can resprout from roots after fire or damage. Historically found in coastal strand and dry shrubland habitats with periodic disturbance.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to coastal areas, tolerates saline conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

7–30 days

Notes:

Scarification of the hard seed coat is required for germination. Hot water treatment or mechanical scarification improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI