Desert Senna Seeds (Senna covesii)
Desert Senna is a bright, cheerful Sonoran Desert native known for its clear yellow flowers and airy, fern-like foliage. Blooming in spring and often again after summer rains, this low-growing perennial brings pops of color to desert landscapes when many plants are resting. Its tidy form and vibrant blooms make it a standout in native gardens, along washes, and in open desert flats.
 
Perfectly adapted to arid conditions, Desert Senna thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, requiring very little water once established. It’s a resilient, long-lived plant that supports native pollinators while adding a soft, natural look to desert and low-water landscapes. If you’re building a true Southwestern native garden, Desert Senna is one of those plants that simply belongs.
 
Native Range
 
Desert Senna (Senna covesii) is native to the Southwestern United States, including:
Arizona
Southern California
Nevada
Northwestern Mexico
It naturally occurs in desert flats, washes, open slopes, and sandy or rocky soils.
 
Growing Information
 
Botanical Name: Senna covesii
Former Name: Cassia covesii
Common Names: Desert Senna, Coves’ Senna
Life Cycle: Perennial (short-lived)
Height: 1–3 feet
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soils
Hardiness: USDA Zones 9–11
Bloom Time: Spring; may rebloom after summer rains
Water Needs: Low once established
 
How to Grow From Seed
 
Lightly scarify seeds or soak in warm water 12–24 hours before planting
Sow ¼ inch deep
Keep soil lightly moist until germination
Germination typically occurs in 7–21 days
Once established, water sparingly
 
This is for approx 50 seeds