Senna

Senna hebecarpa, the wild senna, is a bold native perennial shrub that thrives in the full-sun, sandy, well-drained soils of Martha's Vineyard's open meadow and coastal heathland environments, producing bright yellow flowers in midsummer on large, multi-stemmed plants that can reach four to five feet in height. It excels in the naturalistic meadow plantings of larger island properties in West Tisbury and the open sunny borders of Edgartown estates, where its substantial presence creates a structural anchor in the mid-border through summer and fall. The large seed pods that follow are ornamentally attractive and provide valuable wildlife food for migratory songbirds during the island's fall migration season.

Deer largely avoid it. Estate Care professionals incorporate wild senna into native meadow programs and large-scale sunny border designs where bold seasonal structure, wildlife value, and adaptability to lean sandy soils are all required simultaneously.