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July 13, 2007 : Senna hebecarpa
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Keywords: Fabaceae | Senna hebecarpa (Fern.) Irwin & Barneby | cultivated in Missouri, USA
Once again, Raakel Toppila supplies the written portion of today's entry. – Daniel
Thank you to shotaku@Flickr from Missouri, USA for sharing today's image (original via BPotD Flickr Group Pool).
Senna hebecarpa, commonly known as wild senna, is a North American native plant growing on damp soils in Ontario, the east coast of the United States, south to Georgia and as far west as Wisconsin. Despite its vigour and mass production of seeds (of which only 10-30% are viable) in cultivated situations, this plant is considered endangered. Wild senna grows along roadways, disturbed areas, fields and the edge of streams. However, changes in hydrology, development of land and succession of secondary species are thought to be reducing its numbers.
Medicinal uses of Senna hebecarpa are extensive, ranging from curing cramps to administering for fainting spells. The extensive collecting of this plant for medicinal purposes (PDF) is also thought to contribute to the decline of this species in the wild.
Posted by Daniel Mosquin at July 13, 2007 12:00 AM
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Posted by: van at July 13, 2007 12:26 PM
Wonderful plant. What exuberant abundance of clustering buds! For an herbalist perspective on plant conservation check out the work of United Plant Savers, whose "mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come." http://unitedplantsavers.org/
Posted by: George L. 
at July 13, 2007 12:35 PM
Oh, George, that is wonderful to hear about. I glanced at the site, and will peruse it later again, already put it in my favorites, and will send the site address to some of my friends who grow their own herbs and such. I am sure they can find something useful or some helpful information. I have already passed this one on to everyone, and I certainly enjoy some of the marvelous pictures of things I will never have a chance to see in 'real' life.
Posted by: Sue in Bremerton WA at July 18, 2007 4:21 PM
Please share your comments about the photograph(s) and accompanying write-up. Telling a story about the subject of the photograph(s) is also much appreciated! If you have a gardening question, the best place to ask is on the UBC Botanical Garden Forums. Thank you!
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Botany Photo of the Day is a project of the UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research, located in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada. UBC BGCPR is a department of the Faculty of Land and Food Systems within The University of British Columbia.
Well that sure is gorgeous. Beautiful plant, beautiful photo.