Bladder-senna (Colutea arborescens)

Bladder-senna

Bladder-senna grows pretty yellow flowers and seed pods that fill up, or balloon up, with gas. It is a member of the pea family, but this plant is not edible. Its extensive root system is often used to prevent soil erosion or stabilize banks.

Scientific classification

Species

Bladder-senna (Colutea arborescens)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

1.8 m to 2.5 m

Plant Height

1.8 m to 2.5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

Green, Yellow

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Bladder-senna

Distribution of Bladder-senna

Distribution Map

Bladder-senna is originally native to the Mediterranean region and parts of Southwest Asia. It has since been introduced to parts of Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, South America, and East Asia. The species is also cultivated in various regions beyond its natural range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Open woods, roadsides, railway banks

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Quickly Identify Bladder-senna

Unusual 3-inch-long (7.6 cm) seed pods resembling inflated bladders.

Vibrant pink, yellow, or orange flowers on 2 to 4-inch-long (5 to 10 cm) racemes.

Distinctive green to purple 3-inch-long (7.6 cm) seed pods with varying colors.

Bright green compound leaves with 9 to 13 small, oval-shaped leaflets.

Smooth textured leaves with subtle visible veins, maintaining green color in fall.

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Care Guide for Bladder-senna

Every 2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

5 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from rocky European hillsides, bladder-senna thrives in dry, arid environments, demonstrating moderate drought tolerance. Water every two weeks, allowing dry conditions between. It adapts well to temperature variations, growing more during rainy seasons and requiring less water in cooler, dormant periods.

Fertilize: For bladder-senna, fertilize annually in early spring using potassium-rich balanced nutrition fertilizers to boost flowering. Water thoroughly after fertilization and consider more frequent feedings for younger plants. Regular feeding promotes robust growth and flower production. Wear gloves during fertilization for skin protection.

Pruning: Bladder-senna thrives with periodic pruning, ideally in early spring, to enhance growth and air circulation. Remove damaged branches and thin overcrowded areas for health and aesthetics. Clean, sharp tools are essential to prevent infections, ensuring a robust and attractive bladder-senna.

Propagation: Bladder-senna is a resilient shrub with unique inflated seed pods. Propagation involves direct sowing seeds in well-draining soil after cold stratification to stimulate germination. Maintain consistent moisture and warmth for sprouting, providing adequate sunlight while minimizing transplant shock during seedling establishment.

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