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Lindheimer's Senna

Senna lindheimeriana

Last reviewed: June 2026

Lindheimer's Senna is a drought-tolerant native shrub of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas that produces bright yellow flowers from June through November, attracting butterflies and bees.

Lindheimer's Senna (Senna lindheimeriana)
Photo: (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

36"–72" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AZ, NM, TX

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, nectar insects

Lindheimer's Senna is a tall, narrow shrub that produces bright yellow flowers from summer through fall. This drought-tolerant native forms an upright column, making it useful as a vertical accent in the landscape. The plant goes dormant in winter, losing its leaves until spring growth returns.

Growing Lindheimer's Senna

Grow Lindheimer's Senna in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Lindheimer's Senna takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range

Wildlife value

The abundant yellow blooms attract butterflies, bees, and other nectar-seeking insects throughout the long flowering season. This plant serves as a host for sulphur butterfly caterpillars.

Common questions

When does Lindheimer's Senna bloom?
Lindheimer's Senna blooms from June through November, producing clusters of bright yellow flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and other nectar-feeding insects.
Where is Lindheimer's Senna native?
Lindheimer's Senna is native to the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, where it grows in desert and semi-desert regions.
What pollinators visit Lindheimer's Senna?
This native shrub attracts butterflies, bees, and various nectar-feeding insects with its abundant yellow flowers throughout the long blooming season.
Is Lindheimer's Senna HOA-friendly?
Lindheimer's Senna 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Lindheimer's Senna fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.