Family – Fabaceae
Stems:
Leaves:
Inflorescence:
N/A
Flowers:
Scanned fruit.
Flowering – July – November.
Habitat – Disturbed sites, waste ground, roadsides, railroads, ditches.
Origin – Native to North America.
Other information – This weedy yet attractive species has been reported mainly in southern Alabama but is probably found throughout much of the state. The plant can be identified by its glabrous, tall stems, large leaves, big yellow flowers, and long, drooping fruits. The leaves grow perpendicular to the stem giving the plant a distinctive appearance. Plants can grow to 3m tall or more.
The genus name Sesbania is a latinized version of the old name “Sesban” of Arabic origin.
The species epithet herbacea derives from the Latin “herb(a)” meaning “grass, not woody.”
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Hwy 29, Macon County, AL., 10-9-04.