Sesbania

Overview

Sesbania grandiflora grows very fast into a slender tree with large white or red flowers. It fixes nitrogen and is short-lived, making it a good nurse tree for slower crops.

History

Native to Southeast Asia, where its flowers and leaves are eaten as vegetables.

Growing on Kauaʻi

• Grows in sun on many soils; handles dry spells.
• Make sure you are planting S. grandiflora; other Sesbania species can be invasive.

Planting and propagation

• Soak seeds overnight and sow about ½ inch deep.
• Grows quickly once sprouted.

Care and maintenance

• Cut back regularly for mulch.
• Replace after a few years as it declines.

Role in the guild

Use it like pigeon pea or gliricidia: a fast nitrogen-fixing nurse for young fruit trees.

Harvest

Pick flowers fresh; cut branches for mulch.

Uses

• Food: flowers and young leaves, cooked.
• Soil: nitrogen and mulch.
• Animal feed: leaves as fodder.

Problems to watch

• Short-lived.
• Brittle in strong wind.

Learn more

• Plant Pono

General guidance for Kauaʻi; conditions vary by site. Check any new plant at plantpono.org before planting.