Senna Plants
Senna is a genus of sun-loving shrubs and perennials in the legume family (Fabaceae), noted for clusters of bright yellow, pea-like flowers and fine pinnate leaves. Several species are cultivated ornamentals, and some (e.g., Senna alexandrina) are valued in traditional medicine as stimulant laxatives.
Occasions & recipients
Find flowers by occasion
Best occasions
- Housewarming
- Get well soon (with discretion)
- New garden or landscaping
- Thank you/Appreciation
- Earth Day or environmental events
Suitable for
- Gardeners and plant enthusiasts
- Neighbors or colleagues
- Teachers or mentors
- Health-conscious friends (with caution)
Color taboos
- Bright yellow can be read as jealousy or infidelity in parts of Europe and Russia.
- Not typical for somber funerals in cultures where white is customary.
- Yellow often signals friendship rather than romance; avoid for passionate declarations.
Card messages
At a glance
Key details
Quick reference for habitat, gifting etiquette, and safety when choosing flowers for different occasions and recipients.
Use this section as a practical checklist: where they grow, how to present them thoughtfully, and what to keep in mind regarding toxicity and sensitivity.
Botanical info
Taxonomy
Kingdom: Plantae; Order: Fabales; Family: Fabaceae (subfamily Caesalpinioideae); Genus: Senna Mill.; Notable species include S. alexandrina, S. didymobotrya, and S. corymbosa.
Distribution
Primarily tropical and subtropical worldwide; native across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, widely cultivated and naturalized in warm, dry to seasonally wet habitats.
Conservation
Varies by species: many are common or naturalized, while some localized endemics face habitat loss. Consult regional red lists/IUCN and avoid wild collecting.
Gifting & etiquette
Presentation etiquette
Present as a healthy, pest-free potted plant with a tag listing botanical name and care, plus a caution that senna is a potent laxative if ingested. Avoid implying medical cures; do not gift to pregnant recipients, small children, or settings with soil restrictions (e.g., hospitals). Include a saucer and a neutral pot to suit décor.
Ideal delivery time
Morning delivery in spring or early summer for easiest transplanting; avoid heatwaves, frost, and midday sun stress.
Health & risk
Toxicity
Humans: Leaves/pods contain stimulant anthraquinones; ingestion may cause cramping, diarrhea, and electrolyte imbalance—avoid chronic use, pregnancy, bowel obstruction, or use with cardiac glycosides/diuretics. Pets/livestock: Ingestion can cause vomiting/diarrhea; seeds and foliage may be toxic—prevent access.
Allergenicity
Low to moderate; insect‑pollinated flowers shed little airborne pollen. Handling foliage or seed pods may cause mild contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Meaning & taboos
Symbolism & color
Senna’s golden blossoms and cleansing heritage make it a symbol of purification, restored health, sunny optimism, and resilient growth.
Growing & tools
Care & gear
Growing tips
Provide full sun (6–8+ hours). Plant in well-drained sandy or loamy soil; water deeply but infrequently—drought-tolerant once established. Protect from frost (many species suit USDA 9–12); grow in containers in cooler regions and overwinter indoors. Prune lightly after bloom to shape and remove spent pods. Fertilize sparingly. Propagate by scarified/soaked seed or semi-hardwood cuttings; rhizobial inoculation can improve establishment. Monitor aphids and scale. Some species self-seed or can be invasive—check local regulations.
Recommended tools
- Pruning shears
- Gardening gloves
- Hand trowel
- Seed trays or root trainers
- Watering can or drip line
Symbolizes
- Purification
- Healing and recovery
- Sunshine and optimism
- Resilience
- Vitality