Piedmont blacksenna (Seymeria pectinata) has “returned” to the south Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area (SORCA). 2017 is when this partially parasitic plant proved prolific at the trail entrance in response to trail widening. A few weak individuals were present the following year.
Once again trail widening — and sunshine — has brought forth a robust population of piedmont blacksenna full of bright yellow flowers. Lots of tiny pollinators and bees visit its small five-petaled fuzzy flowers.
Visit in late summer or early fall to discover why this plant is given the common name blacksenna …
Other common names for this plant include comb-leaf blacksenna and comb blacksenna. Its species name, pectinata, means comb-like and refers to its delicate foliage shown below in 2017 growing alongside partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) …
Don’t be “taken in” by the delicate appearance of its foliage. This plant is a hemiparasite and “sucks” nutrients and moisture from the roots of other nearby plants.
Enjoy the Oslo Riverfront Conservation Area 