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Purple Sesban

Sesbania punicea, Fabaceae

Zones
8–11
Layer
Herbaceous
Lifespan
Annual
Growth
Fast

Guild Roles

Nitrogen FixerGround CoverMulch Maker

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

Moderate (established)High (seedling)

Soil pH

5.5 – 8.5

Tolerances

Drought
Frost
Heat
Pest Resistance
Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Velvet BundleflowerDesmanthus velutinus
Nitrogen FixationShade Provision
Pennsylvania SmartweedPolygonum pensylvanicum
Nitrogen FixationShade Provision

Antagonistic Plants

Spurred Butterfly PeaCentrosema virginianum

Purple sesban can outcompete spurred butterfly pea through rapid growth and resource acquisition

Shortpod RattleboxCrotalaria brevidens

Crotalaria species can produce allelopathic compounds that may inhibit other legume growth

Uses

Functions

Nitrogen FixationSoil ImprovementBiomass ProductionErosion Control

Common Questions

What zones does Purple Sesban grow in?

Purple Sesban grows in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11.

Is Purple Sesban a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Purple Sesban is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Purple Sesban?

Good companions for Purple Sesban include Velvet Bundleflower, Pennsylvania Smartweed.

Design guilds with Purple Sesban and see companion relationships visually.

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