COLUTEA, EASTARD-SENA, in botany: A genus of the decandria order, belonging to the diadelphia class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 32d order, Papilionaceæ. The calyx is quinquefid; the legumen inflated, opening at the upper part of the base. There are three species, all of them deciduous flowering shrubs, adorned with many-lobed leaves, and butterfly-shaped flowers, of a deep yellow or red colour. They are propagated both by seeds and layers, and are hardy enough, though they sometimes require a little shelter when the weather is very cold.