Fabaceae

Senna alata

Common Names: Candle bush

Plant Form: Large spreading shrub. Size: 2-4 m tall. Stem: Thick, pithy, upright, branching, woody with age. Leaves: Large 15-40 cm long, compound of 8-12 opposite pairs of leaflets, oblong and veiny with smooth edges. Flowers: Golden yellow, in 30-60 cm long clusters of 20-40 Fruit and Seeds: Straight or curved cylindrical, 12-16 cm long with wings along length, with numerous flat seeds. Habitat: Creek lines, roadsides, drainage channels. Distinguishing Features: Generally has more pairs of leaflets than other Senna species. Impacts: Forms dense thickets, reduces waterway access.