shrub

Bladder senna

Colutea arborescens

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Bladder senna (Colutea arborescens) — a shrub, for Full sun, Low water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Waterlow to medium

↑ Gives back

Mulch_biomassmedium

Through the year

Through the year

JFMAMJJASOND
emergenceEmergence of new growth after the last spring frost, typically when air temperatures consistently reach 10 C.
floweringFlowering occurs from early summer, typically starting in June and lasting through August.
fruitingFruiting follows flowering, with distinctive bladder-like pods developing from mid-summer into autumn.
senescenceLeaves begin to senesce and drop with the arrival of the first autumn frosts.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingYes
MycorrhizalYes
Soil texturesandy, loamy, clay
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceHigh

Propagation

Methodsseed, cuttings
Difficulty2 / 5
Establishes in~2 yr
Stratificationrequires scarification and cold stratification
Self-seedingModerate
Divisionspring

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, pollinators