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Description
Senna Pumilio, commonly known as the Dwarf Cassia, is a small shrub that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. The plant has a unique appearance with its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. It can grow up to 3-6 feet in height and spread up to 4-6 feet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Senna |
Appearance
Senna Pumilio has a unique appearance with its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The plant has a woody stem that is light brown in color and branches out into multiple stems. The leaves are a vibrant green color and are pinnately compound. They can grow up to 8 inches in length and have 4-6 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are arranged in clusters and can grow up to 1 inch in diameter. The fruit is a flat, brown pod that can grow up to 3 inches in length.
Care Guide
Senna Pumilio is a low maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for caring for your Dwarf Cassia:Water: Water your plant regularly, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize your plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.Soil: Senna Pumilio prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: Senna Pumilio prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Senna Pumilio can grow in hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Senna Pumilio is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to spider mites and whiteflies. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also be affected by root rot if the soil is too wet.
Habitat
Senna Pumilio is native to the southeastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. It can be found in a variety of habitats, including pine rocklands, coastal hammocks, and sandhills. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Senna Pumilio toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Senna Pumilio is toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities.Q: Can Senna Pumilio be grown indoors?
A: While Senna Pumilio can be grown indoors, it prefers full sun and well-draining soil.Q: How often should I fertilize my Senna Pumilio?
A: Fertilize your Senna Pumilio with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.Q: Can Senna Pumilio tolerate drought?
A: Senna Pumilio prefers moist soil but can tolerate drought once established.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Senna Pumilio:
- Senna Alata
- Senna Didymobotrya
- Senna Mexicana
- Senna Occidentalis
References
- “Senna Pumilio.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, n.d. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp684
- “Dwarf Cassia.” Monrovia, n.d. https://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1516/dwarf-cassia/
- “Senna Pumilio.” Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286771&isprofile=0&basic=Senna%20pumilio
