Once again, Raakel Toppila supplies the written portion of today's entry. – Daniel
Thank you to shotaku@Flickr from Missouri, USA for sharing today's image (original via BPotD Flickr Group Pool).
Senna hebecarpa, commonly known as wild senna, is a North American native plant growing on damp soils in Ontario, the east coast of the United States, south to Georgia and as far west as Wisconsin. Despite its vigour and mass production of seeds (of which only 10-30% are viable) in cultivated situations, this plant is considered endangered. Wild senna grows along roadways, disturbed areas, fields and the edge of streams. However, changes in hydrology, development of land and succession of secondary species are thought to be reducing its numbers.
Medicinal uses of Senna hebecarpa are extensive, ranging from curing cramps to administering for fainting spells. The extensive collecting of this plant for medicinal purposes (PDF) is also thought to contribute to the decline of this species in the wild.
Well that sure is gorgeous. Beautiful plant, beautiful photo.
Wonderful plant. What exuberant abundance of clustering buds! For an herbalist perspective on plant conservation check out the work of United Plant Savers, whose "mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come." http://unitedplantsavers.org/
Oh, George, that is wonderful to hear about. I glanced at the site, and will peruse it later again, already put it in my favorites, and will send the site address to some of my friends who grow their own herbs and such. I am sure they can find something useful or some helpful information. I have already passed this one on to everyone, and I certainly enjoy some of the marvelous pictures of things I will never have a chance to see in 'real' life.