How much sun does American Sicklepod need?

American Sicklepod grows best in full sun conditions.

When does American Sicklepod bloom?

American Sicklepod blooms in July, August, and September.

Where is American Sicklepod native?

American Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) is native to AL, AR, CA, FL and 22 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does American Sicklepod attract?

American Sicklepod draws bees and beetles.

Is American Sicklepod HOA-friendly?

American Sicklepod takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

American Sicklepod

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Senna obtusifolia

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

American Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CA, FL and 22 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Texas Blackland Prairies Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Piedmont Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Interior Plateau Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain

American sicklepod is an annual wildflower that grows 1-4 feet tall with bright yellow flowers blooming from July through September. This native plant thrives in full sun with moderate water needs and provides a cheerful summer display. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season and may self-seed in favorable conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

American Sicklepod takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Often considered a weed due to its common name 'sicklepod'
Can spread aggressively through self-seeding
May appear unkempt as pods develop and plant dies back

Wildlife value

The bright yellow flowers attract bees and beetles during the summer months. This plant serves as a valuable nectar source for pollinators during the peak growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does American Sicklepod need?: American Sicklepod grows best in full sun conditions.
When does American Sicklepod bloom?: American Sicklepod blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is American Sicklepod native?: American Sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) is native to AL, AR, CA, FL and 22 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does American Sicklepod attract?: American Sicklepod draws bees and beetles.
Is American Sicklepod HOA-friendly?: American Sicklepod takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow American Sicklepod? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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