Plant Data

Names and Taxonomy

  • Common Names: Coues’ Cassia, Coues, Senna, Coves, Cassia, Cove Senna, Dais, Desert Senna, Rattlebox, Rattlebox Senna, Rattleweed (Spanish Ejotillo, Hojasèn, Daisillo, Ojosón, Oyasón, Rosamaría)
  • Synonyms: Senna covesii
  • Family: Fabaceae (Pea)
  • Genus Information:

Habit and Size

  • Duration: perennial
  • Habit: forb, sub-shrub
  • Shape: upright
  • Size: up to 2'
  • Stem: red

Leaves

  • Color: green
  • Shape: oval
  • Edge: smooth
  • Arrangement: opposite
  • Leaf Retention:

Flowers and Fruit

  • Sex: monoecious
  • Flower Color: yellow
  • Flower Size: 1 inch
  • Number of Petals: 5
  • Bloom: Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sept, Oct
  • Fruit:

Habitat and Growing Conditions

  • Water Use: low
  • Light: full sun
  • Soil: dry, sandy
  • Habitat: rocky slopes, sandy desert washes and mesas

Distribution

  • Distribution: AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT, Mexico and Baja
  • Seen: UT
  • Elevation: 1000-3000 ft (330-1000 m)

Photographs

Desert Senna (Senna covesii)

UT

Desert Senna (Senna covesii)

UT