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Texas Senna
Buttercup Bush
Senna corymbosa
Texas Senna is a semi-evergreen shrub that provides vibrant yellow flowers from summer into fall. While not a Texas native, this hardy plant performs exceptionally well in USDA Zones 8 to 11, especially in South and Central Texas. It is well-suited to a variety of soil types (alkaline or acidic), including rocky or sandy soils, as long as they are well-drained. Texas Senna is highly drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for xeriscaping or water-wise gardens. This shrub adds a tropical flair to landscapes with its feathery, dark green foliage and showy blooms.
This plant is deer-resistant and non-toxic, making it a safe and low-maintenance option for gardens frequented by wildlife. It thrives in full sun but can tolerate light shade, though less flowers will produce. Texas Senna works beautifully as a focal point in smaller gardens, as a privacy screen, or in mass plantings for a dramatic effect. Its dense foliage and upright growth habit make it a useful backdrop plant or informal hedge. Mature plants typically reach 5 to 6 feet in height and 5 to 6 feet in width. For a full and balanced look, space multiple shrubs 5 to 7 feet apart.
Texas Senna’s bright yellow blooms attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, enhancing the ecological value of your garden. It can bloom multiple times throughout the growing season, especially with regular pruning after flowering. This plant is also a reliable performer in the intense Texas heat, requiring little supplemental irrigation once established.
Winter care for Texas Senna is minimal in warmer regions, where it may remain semi-evergreen. In areas with frost, the shrub may lose its leaves and experience dieback, but it will typically recover from the base in spring. Pruning damaged or dead branches after the last frost encourages healthy new growth. Applying mulch around the base can protect the roots during colder months and help retain moisture in the soil.
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Xeriscape Specimen |
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Deer Resistant |
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Drought Tolerant |
Flower Color:Yellow
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Height:6-8 Feet
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Spread:5-6 Feet
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Spacing:5-7 Feet
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USDA Hardiness Zone 8a
Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Texas Native
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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