How much sun does Poison-bean need?

Poison-bean grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Poison-bean bloom?

Poison-bean blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.

Where is Poison-bean native?

Poison-bean (Sesbania drummondii) is native to AL, FL, LA, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What butterflies or moths does Poison-bean host?

Poison-bean is a larval host plant for cloudless sulphur butterfly and silver-spotted skipper.

Is Poison-bean HOA-friendly?

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

Poison-bean

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Sesbania drummondii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Poison-bean (Sesbania drummondii) 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"–36" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, LA, TX

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Southeastern Plains Mississippi Alluvial Plain Southern Coastal Plain

Sesbania drummondii is an annual wildflower that produces bright orange to yellow pea-like flowers from late spring through fall. This native legume grows 1-4 feet tall with compound leaves and attracts numerous pollinators during its long blooming season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Poison-bean 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.

Common name includes 'poison' which may concern neighbors
Can appear weedy or wild in formal landscapes
Annual growth habit means gaps in winter

Wildlife value

Host plant for cloudless sulphur butterfly, silver-spotted skipper.

The abundant flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies throughout the growing season. As a legume, it also fixes nitrogen in the soil, benefiting surrounding plants.

Common questions

How much sun does Poison-bean need?: Poison-bean grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Poison-bean bloom?: Poison-bean blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Poison-bean native?: Poison-bean (Sesbania drummondii) is native to AL, FL, LA, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What butterflies or moths does Poison-bean host?: Poison-bean is a larval host plant for cloudless sulphur butterfly and silver-spotted skipper.
Is Poison-bean HOA-friendly?: Poison-bean 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 Poison-bean? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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