Senna marilandica
Maryland senna
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Family: Fabaceae · Type: Subshrub · Not Native
Senna marilandica (Maryland senna) is a non-native California subshrub in the Fabaceae family, recognized by . Distinguished by tall unbranched stems and large glaucous leaflets.
Maryland senna is a naturalized shrub found in southern California coastal areas in open woodlands and disturbed areas at elevations below 100 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces yellow flowers that dry nearly white, with blossoms 8 to 14 millimeters long. Growing with unbranched stems 6 to 20 decimeters tall and a glabrous structure, it has a subshrub growth habit. Its leaves feature 12 to 18 elliptic to oblong leaflets, 35 to 60 millimeters long, with olive-green surfaces and pale glaucous undersides. The fruit develops as a gently curved linear pod 6 to 11 centimeters long, containing 20 to 26 generally plump-obovate seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species. Distinguished by tall unbranched stems and large glaucous leaflets
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open woodland, disturbed areas
Elevation: < 100 m
Outside California: widespread over central and southeastern United States
Bloom period
Senna marilandica blooms May-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Cassia: Senna and Cassia are now considered the same genus; plants in California are Senna.; vs Ephedra: Senna has bright yellow flowers and compound leaves; Ephedra is nearly leafless with jointed green stems.; vs Spartium: Senna has compound leaves with paired leaflets; Spartium has simple leaves or nearly leafless green stems.; vs Parkinsonia: Senna lacks spines; Parkinsonia has prominent straight spines at leaf nodes.; vs Asclepias: Senna has yellow pea-flowers and compound leaves; Asclepias has complex star-shaped flowers and milky sap.
Frequently asked questions
Is Senna marilandica native to California?
No. Senna marilandica is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Senna marilandica bloom?
Senna marilandica blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Senna marilandica belong to?
Senna marilandica is in the Fabaceae family, genus Senna.
What habitat does Senna marilandica grow in?
Senna marilandica grows in Open woodland, disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.