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Senna alexandrina (Alexandrian senna)

Other names: Cassia angustifolia, Cassia senna, Tinnevelly senna, True senna

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Species
S. alexandrina is a tender, erect to spreading, evergreen subshrub or woody-based perennial with pinnate leaves divided into narrowly elliptic to lance-shaped, pointed, grey-green leaflets and racemes of bright yellow flowers in summer followed by flat, papery, seed pods.
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Season of interest

Flower

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Flower

Foliage

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Foliage
Height and spread

Height and spread

Size Max height Max spread To maturity
1.5 m 1 m 10-20 years
4 ft 3 ft 10-20 years

Where to grow

Soil type
  • Chalky
  • Clay
  • Loamy
  • Sandy
Soil drainage
  • Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
  • Acid
  • Alkaline
  • Neutral
Sunlight
  • Full Sun
Aspect
  • South
Exposure
  • Sheltered

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Additional plant details

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light & moderately humidity. Needs shade from hot sun. In growth, water moderately & feed monthly. Water sparingly in winter. Top dress or pot on in spring. Outdoors in mild, frost-free climates, grow in moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun. Drought and salt tolerant once established.

Suggested uses

Containers/Patio, Beds and borders, Mediterranean, Cottage/Informal, City, Drought Tolerant, Wallside and trellises

UK hardiness

H1c

USDA zones

Zone 9, Zone 10, Zone 11

Sunset zone

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Unknown
Central Valley = Unknown
South Coastal = Unknown
South Inland = Unknown
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Erect, Spreading

Native to

Northern Africa, Eastern Africa, Middle East

Drought tolerant

Yes

Flood tolerant

No

Toxicity

Extracts are used medicinally as a laxative. Keep out of reach of children as may cause skin rashes if consumed.

Plant care

Pruning

Pruning group 1. May need restrictive pruning if grown under glass.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings

Propagation

Sow seed at 18-24C (64-75F) in spring.

Pests

Generally pest free.

Diseases

Generally disease free.

Selective pruning only (only if needed)

Plant container grown plants in a sunny sheltered spot

Protect from cold drying winds (in cold areas)

Bring tender indoors if container grown (in cold areas)

Sow seed in containers with heat (spring)

Take semi-ripe cuttings

Plant tender plants after danger of frost has passed (late spring, early summer)

Other plants

Plants in this Genus (11)

Senna

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Senna surattensis
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Senna surattensis Scrambled eggs
Senna corymbosa
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Senna corymbosa Flowery senna
Senna artemisioides
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Senna artemisioides Silver cassia
Senna sturtii
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Senna sturtii Dense cassia
Senna splendida
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Senna splendida Golden wonder senna
Senna nemophila
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Senna nemophila Desert cassia
Senna phyllodinea
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Senna phyllodinea Silver leaf cassia
Senna spectabilis
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Senna spectabilis Golden wonder tree
Senna oligophylla
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Senna oligophylla Outback cassia
Senna alexandrina
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Senna alexandrina Alexandrian senna
Senna hebecarpa
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Senna hebecarpa Wild senna
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Companion plants (0)

Related content

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