Scientific Family
Fabaceae
Synonyms
Cassia bauhinioides
Other common names
two leaf desert senna
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Native
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
2 feet
Riparian
No
Can be an erect or low spreading plant.
Leaflets in pairs; flowers all axillary, solitary or in twos.
Habitat
Found on mesas and on dry rocky slopes and sandy areas at lower elevations.
Plant Community
Pinyon Juniper Woodlands
Interior Chaparral
Grasslands
Desert Scrub
Low elevation
2000
High elevation
5500
Flower Characteristics
Flowers to 1 inch wide. Has 5 petals with crimped edges. Petals narrow at the base where they connect to the stalk. Flower stalks
grow from the axil and are usually longer than the leaf stalk. Loosely arranged inflorescence with up to 3 flowers.
Flower color
Yellow
Flower shape
Regular
Tubular
No
First bloom month
April
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
Other
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
1/2 to 1 inch long. Has oblong shape and rounded at both ends. The leaflets are paired.
Leaf type
Compound
Leaf color
Grayish-green
Leaf shape
Narrow
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
No
Leaf hairs
Leaves & stems
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Pods are hairy and straight and pointed at each end. To 2 inches long. Color changes from green to brown.
Fruit type
Pod
Fruit color
Green to brown