While vacationing in the Georgetown SC area, I found this wildflower. I have not been able to find an exact match in my SC wildflower guides, but I was wondering if it is a Daubentonia or similar species. Thank you for any assistance that you can provide.
Hi Larry,
your plant is usually called Sesbania herbacea, Danglepod, but has also been known under other names, especially Sesbania exaltata. It is widespread in the south, often appearing weedy, and it is an annual. It has even made it to southern Illinois! Daubentonia is a very close relative, also a bean. I am rather certain it is not edible, but I have not checked up on that.
You can find more information on it here: http://www.alabamaplants.com/Yellowalt/Sesbania_herbacea_page.html and here: http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=Sehe8
I hope this helps!
Sincerely,
Steve Hill, Ph.D., Botanist SCNPS