Bigpod sesbania (Sesbania herbacea)

Bigpod sesbania

Also known as: Coffeeweed, Hemp sesbania, Wild hemp-sesbania, Long-pod sesbania, Danglepod

Bigpod sesbania (Sesbania herbacea) is a semi-woody perennial that will grow from 91 to 305 cm tall. It blooms from late spring to early summer. Flowers are yellow with purple streaks or spots. Seeds ripen after flowers fade and appear in 10 to 20 cm long seedpods that contain 30 to 40 seeds. It is considered a serious weed as it damages crops by overtaking the areas it invades.

Scientific classification

Species

Bigpod sesbania (Sesbania herbacea)

Legumes, milkworts and allies

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Weeds

Weed or not

Annual, Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall, Winter

Harvest Time

Brown, Green, Orange

Fruit Color

Yellow, Purple, Red

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Bigpod sesbania

Distribution of Bigpod sesbania

Distribution Map

Bigpod sesbania is naturally distributed across parts of North and Central America. This plant has extended its range through introduction to various regions in Eastern Europe, East Asia, and South America. Its presence in the introduced regions does not necessarily imply cultivation, but rather an expansion of its geographical range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Fields, low ground

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Toxicity

Bigpod sesbania holds a mild toxicity level for cats and dogs. When consumed in high amounts, all parts of bigpod sesbania can cause poisoning, leading to symptoms like general discomfort or gastrointestinal upset. Prompt veterinary care is crucial for managing symptoms and ensuring proper treatment after ingestion.

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Weed Control

Bigpod sesbania is native to parts of North America and has spread throughout the rest of the Americas. It is considered invasive in Arkansas in the United States. It is also considered a weed in some agricultural contexts as it may be toxic to livestock. It can also dominate wetland communities as it grows well in disturbed areas. In areas in which bigpod sesbania is considered to be a nuisance, repeated mowing or applications of herbicide can be effective. Methods including fire and soil disturbance are not typically effective and can encourage the growth of bigpod sesbania.

How to Control It

The best season for removal of bigpod sesbania is late Summer to early Fall. Bigpod sesbania needs to be removed before it blooms and sets seeds. Here are some effective methods for its removal:

Hand Pulling: A simple, organic method is hand pulling. Please make sure to wear gloves to protect your hands. Pull the plant gently but firmly from its base to ensure the root comes out as well.
Digging: For large bigpod sesbania plants, use a shovel to dig around the plant, making sure to go deep enough to reach below the root level. Carefully lift the plant out of the ground.
Smothering: This involves covering the bigpod sesbania with a thick layer of organic material like straw or wood chips which will deprive it of light, air and water, slowly killing it.
Solarization: This method involves placing a clear plastic sheet over the infested area for 4-6 weeks during the peak of Summer. The heat trapped under the sheet will kill the plants as well as any seeds in the soil.
Flame Weeding: A carefully controlled flame can be used to wilt and kill the unwanted bigpod sesbania. It's highly effective but requires care to avoid damaging desirable plants.

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Care Guide for Bigpod sesbania

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Bigpod sesbania thrives in moist, waterlogged soils and requires weekly watering to maintain wet conditions. Its preference for full sun and natural habitat influences its watering needs, especially during the growing season when water requirements peak.

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Images of Bigpod sesbania

Distribution of Bigpod sesbania

Toxicity

Weed Control

Care Guide for Bigpod sesbania

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