Sesbania punicea (Cav.) Benth.

Scarlet Wisteria Tree; Purple Sesban; Purple River Hemp

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Purple Sesban is a non-native shrubby legume found in the lower half of Alabama. It was widely planted as an ornamental and has now escaped in many areas, especially along waterways. Purple Sesban is native to South America, but is now found in warmer regions around the world. Several states adjacent to Alabama list it as an invasive species due to its habit of forming thickets along water bodies. Purple Sesban is a deciduous shrub that grows to a height of around eight feet. It usually has a single trunk, but if the plant has been damaged there may be several sprouts from the base. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound. Bright orange pea-like flowers are produced in racemes from the axils of the leaves. The flowers are followed by large woody four winged fruit. Each fruit contains from six to twelve seed. The fruit often do not split completely, trapping some of the seed inside. These fruit remain on the plant during the winter and the loose seed rattle when the wind blows giving the plant another of its common names--Rattlebox. Purple Sesban is a fast growing, but short lived species. It is sometimes available in the nursery trade, especially from establishments that sell “tropical” plants. It is also easily grown from seed. All parts of the plant are poisonous if consumed.--A. Diamond

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Not Native FAC+ (NWPL)

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