Bladder Senna Colutea × media
ABOUT
The plant known as Bladder Senna possesses an unmistakable appearance, characterized by its unique and fascinating features. It typically presents a deciduous shrub-like form, often celebrated for its delicate and decorative aspects which enhance garden aesthetics. One of its most striking characteristics is the foliage, which is comprised of leaves that are pinnate, meaning they are formed like a feather with multiple leaflets arranged on either side of a common axis. The leaflets themselves are generally small and oval-shaped, providing a light, airy texture to the overall greenery. These leaves can bring a bright and refreshing shade of green to any planting area. During the flowering season, Bladder Senna is adorned with a spectacular display of blooms. The flowers, arranged in loose clusters, exhibit vivid colors which can range from soft yellow to orange. Each individual flower is composed of five petals, with the shape possibly comparable to small and delicate pea flowers, offering an inviting appearance for various pollinators. As the flowering season progresses, one of the most distinctive features of this plant becomes evident – its seed pods. These pods could be described as being bladder-like, which is an attribute conveyed by their inflated, membranous structure. They begin as green but mature to a translucent tan or pale brown, adding an interesting visual element to the plant even after the flowering period ends. Overall, the appearance of Bladder Senna is one that combines delicate leaves, cheerful flowers, and unique seed pods into a single, harmonious presentation, making it a noteworthy choice for ornamental purposes in a variety of garden settings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Bladder Senna, Bastard Senna
Common names
Colutea × media
ToxicityTo humans
Bladder senna (Colutea × media) is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to humans; however, caution is always recommended. Ingesting parts of the plant is not advisable as the seeds inside the bladder-like pods can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. The toxicity may result in discomfort or gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, due to the presence of toxic compounds known as saponins. Always consult medical professionals in case of accidental ingestion or any symptoms following contact with the plant.
To pets
Bladder senna (Colutea × media) is also not widely recognized as toxic to pets, but similar caution should be taken. The seeds are the main concern as they contain saponins that can be toxic if ingested in significant amounts. Symptoms of poisoning in pets might include vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain. Pet owners should prevent their animals from eating any part of the plant and seek veterinary help if their pet exhibits signs of illness following ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3.0 meters)
Spread
6-10 feet (1.8-3.0 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
6
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Colutea × media, commonly known as the Bladder Senna, is often grown for its attractive shrub form, bright yellow flowers, and distinctive inflated seed pods that add visual interest to gardens.
- Drought Tolerance: The Bladder Senna is known for its ability to withstand periods of drought once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping or dry garden landscapes.
- Nitrogen Fixation: As a leguminous plant, it has the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can improve soil fertility and benefit surrounding plants in the garden.
- Wildlife Habitat: The flowers of the Bladder Senna provide nectar for pollinators such as bees, while the dense foliage offers shelter for birds and other fauna.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Colutea × media, commonly known as 'Bladder Senna,' can be used in ornamental hedges for its fast-growing and bushy attributes, offering privacy and shelter to gardens.
- The inflated seed pods of Bladder Senna may be used in floral arrangements as a curiosity due to their unusual shape and texture.
- The branches and twigs of Bladder Senna can be utilized in the craft of basket weaving, with the inherent flexibility of its wood being conducive to this traditional practice.
- Bladder Senna's dense growth habit can provide erosion control on slopes or areas prone to soil degradation when planted as ground cover.
- The plant can serve as a natural windbreak in coastal areas, where its tolerance to challenging conditions makes it a practical choice.
- Bladder Senna can be included in wildlife gardens, as its flowers attract pollinators while its seed pods can be a food source for certain bird species.
- While many legumes fix nitrogen, Bladder Senna may be used in a permaculture setting for the potential soil-improving qualities associated with nitrogen-fixing plants.
- The plant's leaves may be used as fodder for livestock, particularly in regions where other forms of fodder are scarce or too expensive.
- Bladder Senna has the potential to be used in phytoremediation, an eco-friendly way of removing toxins or heavy metals from the soil through the planting of specific plants known for these abilities.
- The vibrant yellow flowers of Bladder Senna can provide a natural dye for fabrics and textiles when properly processed.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bladder Senna is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bladder Senna is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Colutea × media, commonly known as Bladder Senna, is a hardy plant capable of surviving in tough conditions, symbolizing the ability to withstand adversity.
- Protection: With its pod-like fruit that encases the seeds, Bladder Senna signifies shelter and the nurturing of new ideas or individuals.
- Growth and Renewal: As a plant that can regenerate from its roots and manifest new growth, it represents personal development and the concept of rebirth.
- Adaptability: Given its capacity to adapt to different environments, it symbolizes flexibility and the skill to thrive in various situations.
WaterBladder senna should be watered moderately, ensuring that the soil dries out slightly between waterings. During the growing season in spring and summer, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which might be approximately once a week, but always check the soil moisture first. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every couple of weeks as the plant's water requirements decrease. An established bladder senna won’t need frequent watering, and over-watering can lead to root rot, so it's essential to avoid soggy soil. Generally, providing about a gallon of water per watering session should suffice for an average-sized plant, but always adjust according to the size of the plant and environmental conditions.
LightBladder senna thrives in full sun to partial shade. It performs best when it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, so planting it in a spot that gets ample morning and afternoon sun is ideal. If the plant is in a region with extremely hot summers, providing afternoon shade can help prevent stress from excessive heat.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for bladder senna is between 50 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it resilient to colder climates. However, optimal growth and flowering occur when the temperature is on the warmer side within the aforementioned range.
PruningPrune bladder senna to maintain shape, remove any dead or damaged branches, and promote healthier growth. The best time to prune this plant is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Pruning can be done annually, but it's also acceptable to prune every couple of years if the plant maintains a good shape.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBladder senna (Colutea × media) thrives best in well-drained, sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH of 7.0 to 7.5. A soil mix of one part garden soil, one part sand or perlite, and one part compost will ensure good drainage and fertility, promoting healthy growth.
RepottingBladder senna typically does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when it has outgrown its current pot. Ensure to use fresh, well-draining soil mix when repotting.
Humidity & MistingBladder senna is tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and does not have any special humidity requirements. Average room humidity is generally adequate for its growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow bladder senna in bright light, minimal watering.
Outdoor
Plant bladder senna in full sun, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
6-9 USDA
Life cycleColutea × media, commonly known as Bladder Senna, begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate, typically in the spring. Seedlings establish themselves and gradually mature into shrubs, undergoing vegetative growth that includes developing compound leaves and a branching structure. During its reproductive stage in late spring to early summer, Bladder Senna produces small, yellow-pea-like flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to the production of distinctive inflated seed pods. These pods dry out during late summer and early autumn, at which point they release the seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. During the cold season, the plant enters a dormant period, shedding leaves in response to colder temperatures if it is deciduous. With the return of favorable conditions in the following spring, the plant exits dormancy and resumes growth, thus repeating the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: For Colutea × media, commonly known as Bladder Senna, the most popular method of propagation is through seeds. The best time to sow seeds is in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. To propagate Bladder Senna from seeds, they should first be soaked in warm water for 24 hours to soften the seed coat and then sown in well-draining soil at a depth of about a 1/4 inch (approximately 6 millimeters). It's important to keep the soil consistently moist until germination occurs, which typically takes one to three weeks. Once seedlings have emerged and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or their final position in the garden.
