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Sicklepod
Also known as: American sicklepod, Blunt-leaf senna, Sickle senna, Coffeeweed, Coffee pod
The sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) grows best in full sun and moist soil. It thrives in rocky dirt and nutrient-rich soil. For an annual plant, it's slow to develop and grows best late in its growing season.
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Toxic to Humans
Toxicity
Late spring, Summer
Bloom Time
Mid fall
Harvest Time
61 cm to 1.5 m
Plant Height
1 m
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
2.5 cm
Flower Size
Brown, Green, Copper
Fruit Color
Yellow
Flower Color
Green
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Sicklepod

Distribution of Sicklepod

Distribution Map
The geographical presence of sicklepod spans across various continents where it is native to parts of South and Central America, as well as the Middle East. It has also been introduced to regions in Africa, Asia, and Europe, where its presence is notable but not dominant. Sicklepod has become naturalized in some of these areas, and in certain places, it is sometimes thought to be invasive, potentially posing an impact on local ecosystems. The extent of its impact, however, varies and is not uniformly observed across its introduced range.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Moist meadows along rivers, open areas along railroads, waste areas
Hemisphere Trend Curve

Toxicity

Sicklepod poses mild toxicity to humans, cats, and dogs. The plant contains anthraquinones, glycosides, and lectin, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and weakness upon ingestion. In severe cases, it can lead to heart damage or failure and damage to muscles, liver, kidneys, and lungs. Immediate veterinary care is essential for pet poisoning.
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Weed Control

Sicklepod hails from tropical and subtropical regions, especially America. It is considered a weed due to its notorious ability to proliferate, spread, and cause harm, especially in agricultural landscapes. Sicklepod's hardiness and rapid reproductive capabilities make it a formidable weed, capable of usurping nutrients, sunlight, and other resources, thereby hindering crop growth. It is also resistant to certain herbicides, making it difficult to control. Its flexible survivability, coupled with its potential to produce huge numbers of seeds that can remain dormant in the soil for years, exacerbates the threat. Furthermore, sicklepod can indirectly harm other plants by attracting pests that could spread diseases to crops. The main mode of spread is through its seeds, which can be transported by wind, water, or by sticking to animals and humans.
How to Control It
The best season for removal of sicklepod is during the early spring or late winter season, as the plant is still young and easier to manage. You should remove sicklepod before it reaches the flowering stage to prevent it from spreading any seeds.
  1. Hand pulling: Grasp sicklepod at its base and firm pull up, making sure to get as much of roots as possible. Make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands.
  2. Shallow hoeing: Use a hoe or a similar tool to cut off the sicklepod at ground level, thus not allowing the plant to photosynthesize and eventually causing it to die.
  3. Planting cover crops: Plant thick-growing vegetation in the affected area. This can help crowd out the sicklepod and prevent it from getting adequate sun, water, or nutrients.
  4. Use of boiling water: Pour boiling water onto the weeds, making sure to cover the entire plant. This might require a few days of repetition for full efficacy.
  5. Creating a Homogenous Soil Barrier: Spread a thick layer of organic mulch over the affected area, which will suffocate the sicklepod, deprive them of light and prevent them from photosynthesizing.
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Quickly Identify Sicklepod

1
Herbaceous plant with branching habit up to 3 feet (91 cm) tall.
2
Bright yellow flowers with five petals, appearing in upper leaf axils.
3
Distinctive long, slender, sickle-shaped seed pods measuring 4-6 inches (10-15 cm).
4
Alternate, pinnately divided leaves with obovate leaflets and an unpleasant scent.
5
Light green, ridged stem with sparse branching and minimal hair-like structures.
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Care Guide for Sicklepod

Every week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Originating from tropical climates, sicklepod thrives with consistent moisture and moderate drought resistance. Weekly watering supports its growth, while mulching aids in moisture retention during heat, catering to its need for steady water availability.
Propagation: Sicklepod propagates easily through sowing, particularly in spring. Key to successful germination is maintaining adequate moisture, which encourages the emergence of seedlings. Signs of successful propagation include visible seedlings.
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