Colutea arborescens
L.
Bladder senna
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Summary
Source: WikipediaColutea arborescens is a species of leguminous shrub known by the common name bladder-senna. It is native to Europe and North Africa, but it is known on other continents where it is grown as an ornamental and used in landscaping for erosion control. It is also known in the wild as an occasionally weedy escapee from cultivation.
Description
A shrub. It grows 2.5 m tall. The leaves have leaflets along the stalk. There are 9-13 leaflets. They are broadly oval and bright green. There are 4-5 flowers in a group. They are pea shape and reddish on the petals. The fruit is an inflated pod. It is 2-3 cm long and has many seeds.
Edible Uses
None known
Traditional Uses
The seeds are poisonous.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The leaves are diuretic and purgative, and are sometimes used as a milder substitute for senna as a laxative, though the plant is considered unreliable medicinally and is rarely employed in herbalism. The seeds are emetic.
Known Hazards
The seeds are toxic.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows in open locations and on limestone soils. It grows in hardiness zones 6-8.
Where It Grows
Argentina, Asia, Europe, Indonesia, Italy, Luxembourg, Mediterranean*, San Marino, SE Asia, South America, USA,
Cultivation
An easily grown plant, it tolerates most soil conditions other than a water-logged soil. Prefers a position in full sun but tolerates light shade. Grows well on dry sunny banks. Dislikes strong winds, though another report in the same book says that it tolerates salt-laden winds. In our experience the plants are very subject to wind-rock when grown in a windy site. Tolerates atmospheric pollution. A fast growing plant, thriving on poor soils. Plants are hardy to about -20°c. Slugs love the young seedlings. Flowers are produced on the current season's growth. These flowers are very attractive to bees. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagation
Seed — pre-soak for 24 hours in hot water and sow in late winter in a greenhouse. Scarification can help speed up germination. Germination can be slow and erratic, though treated seed usually sprouts within 1–3 months at 20°C. Prick seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on in the greenhouse through their first winter, then plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7–10 cm with a heel, taken in July or August in a frame. Cuttings are not very long-lived.
Other Uses
The plant's extensive root system makes it useful for stabilizing banks and preventing soil erosion. It can also be grown as a hedge. It is a nitrogen fixer.
Notes
It is used in medicine.
Also Known As
Kantun sena, Kolutea
References (3)
- Jackes, D. A., Edible Forest Gardens
- Sukarya, D. G., (Ed.) 2013, 3,500 Plant Species of the Botanic Gardens of Indonesia. LIPI p 617
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
