I see this dried plant on the sides of the road and I did collect some pods of seeds. They stand @5 ft tall and 3-4ft wide often in clumps. Not a clue what this plant is called.
Hi Amanda,
Without a closeup of the pods, I cannot be certain, but it is one of two species. It could be Bladderpod, Glottidium vesicarium. This is an annual plant that has 2-seeded pods. It is also known as Sesbania vesicaria. See: http://www.bio.utexas.edu/courses/bio406d/images/pics/fab/glottidium_vesicarium.htm
Less likely, it could be Sesbania punicea, the rattlebox, but this is a shrub, and is also known as Daubentonia punicea. Its pods are 4-winged and many seeded. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sesbania_punicea It is probably the bladderpod based on what I can see.
Both are common in moist ditches at roadsides and both are beans (Fabaceae), legumes, but not at all edible.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven Hill, Botanist, SCNPS