Sicklepod - Chinese Senna - Arsenic Weed (Senna obtusifolia)

Sicklepod came up not long ago beside my sidewalk. To my remembrance I haven't noticed it in my yard before. I realized it had to be in the Pea family even though I didn't know it's name. It's native to much of the Eastern United States and especially the Southern United States where I am. It's been introduced to California and Hawaii and else where in the world. It can be found in Mexico, South America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. The bean pods of this plant when crushed have the aroma of coffee. Although other types of Senna have been used for a coffee substitute this one can be poisonous from the alkaloids and a few other things it contains. The seeds are said to cause diarrhea, tremors and dark brown urine. Yet I did read that young shoots could be boiled and eaten. Sounds a little confusing right?  I did find information saying that leaves were toxic although another article said only toxic if eaten in large quantities. Also there was a certain boiling procedure in the cooking process. From what I can understand though terpenoids and alkaloids are contained in the leaves and saponins are in the seeds. With all that said I will consider this plant not edible for myself but if interested I would suggest researching it thoroughly.The plant has been also used medicinally in Asia and I would say that's probably the best use for it. As with any plant be well informed and have the advice of an expert before being used as an edible or used medicinally. I'm still amazed at what I'm discovering right in my yard and neighborhood. I'm learning about God's creation and uses for that creation that were unknown to me before. Take time and discover the Creator and His creation. 

 Sicklepod - Chinese Senna - Arsenic Weed (Senna obtusifolia)

 Sicklepod - Chinese Senna - Arsenic Weed (Senna obtusifolia)

 Sicklepod - Chinese Senna - Arsenic Weed (Senna obtusifolia)

 Sicklepod - Chinese Senna - Arsenic Weed (Senna obtusifolia)

Sicklepod - Chinese Senna - Arsenic Weed (Senna obtusifolia)

 Sicklepod - Chinese Senna - Arsenic Weed (Senna obtusifolia)