Senna Species, Argentina Senna, Buttercup Bush, Flowering Senna, Tree Senna

On Feb 20, 2015, HNemerov from Bastrop, TX wrote:

For something reputed to be tropical, this plant has been a pleasant surprise here in Central Texas (USDA Zone 8B, AHS Heat Zone 10). I planted a hedge of four plants along a property line. In four years, they've grown into 4-6 foot shrubs. Evergreen down to around 20°, deciduous down to 10-15°. Blooms late summer-fall, covered with yellow flowers. Produces seed pods in late fall that turn brown and dry out in winter. Ours grow in light shade, and are heat & drought tolerant. Now they're established, I don't water them in the summer. I started my plants from locally-harvested seed, and now save seed for new starts. If you're looking for a hedge plant, or an accent in a large bed, this plant is worth considering.

On Dec 17, 2012, FallbrookGardnr from Fallbrook, CA wrote:

Mine is a tree about 12' tall. It was here when we bought the house. It is planted in the ground in a planter surrounded by a concrete patio. It faces the east with lots of full sun until about 2:00pm in the summer time. It has produced yellow flowering blooms for months now with no signs of stopping.
The tree had been neglected for many months & we thought it was dead...just needed some water to bring it back to life. Will need to do some pruning to get it into a nice shape, but so far I love this tree with its profuse yellow flowers that birds, humming birds & butterflies love!
Does anyone know how to plant from the seed pods it produces? Would love to plant another one somewhere else.

On Sep 15, 2009, vossner from Richmond, TX (Zone 9a) wrote:

mine is planted inground, part shade. I planted it to lure sulphur butterflies in my garden. it's working.

UPDATE: SEPTEMBER 2014. I've observed that this plant behaves like a biannual in my garden. Luckily I get enough seedlings to replace the spent plants. I'm a bit disappointed b/c I was hoping it was a perennial. So if you notice your plant declining and you have not changed the way you care for it, it may be ending its biannual cycle.

On Apr 30, 2007, texmexprincessa from San Antonio, TX (Zone 8b) wrote:

Bought this tree in a pot at a Louisiana open air market. Moved it to Texas, planted it on the West side of our house, and it has done great. Dies back each year, then grows to over 5 feet with luscious flowers and foliage in the fall. Breathtaking and very low maintenance. Curiously, we haven't had the seed pods...which is unfortunate because everyone that sees this beauty wants it.

On Dec 7, 2003, htop from San Antonio, TX (Zone 8b) wrote:

San Antonio, Tx.
Senna corymbosa, a native of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, has attractive, pinnate, deep green leaves with huge clusters of rich buttercup yellow (yellow-gold) 1 inch or so blooms. It is a naturalized species in parts of the southern U.S. It is easy to grow and requires a sunny location and well drained soil. It produces 3 to 4 inch seedpods in the fall. In addition, it is a host to butterfly caterpillars. This plant would make a lovely addition to any landscape.