Senna Species, Lindheimer's Senna, Velvetleaf Cassia

This plant is deadly toxic to horses and cattle, not that they normally eat it, but they only need to get a little and their muscles beco...Read Moreme weak and they cannot get up. I had to destroy one of my best horses last week after she ingested some of it. If anyone wants any, I'm about to pull up and burn every bit of it that I can find, so contact me if you want some

Here's another plant that will always have a place in my zone 8b, Central Texas garden. It's easy to grow from seed, the leaves are so s...Read Moreoft and velvety, it's a nice, soft gray color that complements so much in the landscape. In the fall it is covered with yellow flowers that give way to seed pods that the birds and squirrels feast upon. Here in Central Texas you'll see it growing in ditches & fields. In fact, that is where I got my first seed. I simply tossed the seed on the ground one fall and my yard has never been without it. You never know where it will pop up. It's very easy to control simply by pulling it up. It thrives in the sun but will tolerate shade as well (it's not quite as tall where its come up under my pecan tree). I've given seeds to all my friends and neighbors and they have had success with this plant as well. It loves the heat and thrived in this; the hottest, driest summer ever recorded in Texas.

I have not grown this plant; however, I have observed it in its native habitat. Lindheimer's Senna, Velvetleaf Cassia (Senna lindheimeri...Read Moreana) is native to Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.