Sesbania Species, Bigpod Sesbania, Coffeeweed, Colorado River Hemp, Hemp Sesbania

Sesbaniaherbacea

Family
Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Sesbania (ses-BAN-ee-uh)
Species
herbacea (her-buh-KEE-uh)
Synonym
Darwinia exaltata
Emerus herbaceus
Sesban exaltatus
Sesbania exaltata
Sesbania macrocarpa
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Herbaceous
Smooth
Height
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
Not Applicable
Danger
Seed is poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other Details
Category
Annuals
Water Requirements
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information
Propagation Methods
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Remove fleshy coating on seeds before storing
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Wear gloves to protect hands when handling seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Daytona Beach, Florida

Ellenton, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Keystone Heights, Florida

Lakeland, Florida

Saint Petersburg, Florida

West Palm Beach, Florida

Greenwood, South Carolina

Austin, Texas

Houston, Texas

Kurten, Texas

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Gardener's Notes:

2
positives
2
neutrals
2
negatives
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L
(Zone 9b) | March 2011 | neutral

I have seen this plant grow "7 feet high" in Cape Coral, Florida, (because it was not mowed-down).

Looks just like a wee...Read More

D
Conway, SC (Zone 8b) | May 2007 | negative

Hemp Sesbania can be (and usually is) an invasive weed in the NE coastal region of South Carolina. I cannot recommend its use in this area. Docturf

L
Houston, TX (Zone 9a) | May 2007 | positive

I purchased this plant, also called a rattlebox, from a local nursery that specializes in native Texas plants. However, the blooms are b...Read More

A
Fort Lauderdale, FL (Zone 10b) | November 2005 | positive

My plant was a gift from the birds that frequent the utility wires on the Eastern border of my yard.
I noted when I first discov...Read More

Z
Z
Pensacola, FL (Zone 8b) | July 2005 | neutral

THIS PLANT LOVES PARTIAL SHADE. The tallest one I ever noticed was about a foot high. Here in Pensacola, this weed is very common. Trying...Read More

C
Pocola, OK (Zone 7a) | November 2004 | negative

Arkansas has this plant listed as a noxious weed in the plant.usda.gov site.

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