Senna hebecarpa (wild senna)

This is an imposing plant. Its big flower heads and airy leaves have almost a tropical look to them. In fact, Wild Senna is in the pea family, and is native to the Midwest and northeast of this country, where it grows in moist open woods and disturbed areas. Senna emerges late in the spring, grows to 5', blooms in July, and stays upright all season, with long dark seed pods adding winter interest to the landscape. Use it against a wall, at the back of a border, or as a focal point in a meadow. Prefers full to part sun, and average to moist soil.