Hippocrepis emerus aka Scorpion Senna

Taxonomy

Genus Hippocrepis Family Fabaceae Order Fabales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Hippocrepis emerus, commonly known as scorpion senna, is a perennial plant belonging to the genus Hippocrepis in the Fabaceae family. This bushy, rounded, deciduous shrub can reach heights of 50-150 centimeters, with a maximum height of 200 centimeters. It has a lignified stem with green branches that bear glossy, obovate, and imparipinnate leaves. These leaves have small leaflets and a bright green color. From late spring to autumn, H. emerus produces pale yellow flowers in small clusters. These flowers are arranged in groups of 1 to 5 and measure 14-20 millimeters in length. The petals of the flowers have a long handle, known as a "nail," and a plate-like structure. The nails of the petals are longer than the calyx. H. emerus is a hermaphroditic plant that relies on insects for pollination. Its flowering period occurs from April to July. After flowering, thin, green seed pods, measuring up to 10 centimeters long, develop. These oblong-cylindrical legumes have three to twelve segments. Overall, H. emerus is an attractive perennial plant with bright green foliage, pale yellow flowers, and elongated seed pods.

Common names

Scorpion Senna, Coronilla

How to care for Scorpion Senna

Difficulty

Scorpion Senna is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Lighting

Scorpion Senna requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Scorpion Senna will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Hippocrepis Genus

Hippocrepis ciliata

Hippocrepis biflora

Hippocrepis multisiliquosa Many Flowered Horseshoe Vetch

Hippocrepis emerus Scorpion Senna

Hippocrepis comosa Horseshoe Vetch