Cassia antillana, Senna nitida, Chamaefistula antillana, Cassia aurea

The growth habits of the Cassia antillana varies according to the climate in which it is grown. In USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, it will grow as a large shrub 5 to 10 feet in height and 8 to 10 feet wide. In the warmer regions of zones 9 to 11, the Cassia antillana can reach the size of a small tree, 10 to 20 feet tall and wide. The tree can also be grown in a pot in cooler regions as long as it is brought indoors or placed in a sheltered location in the winter.

When grown outside, this tree thrives in full sun and regular watering. The foliage of the tree is delicate and a deep glossy green color. As the tree is in bloom, it produces sprays of drooping, yellow and orange flowers. These flowers remain on the tree for a long period of time, providing long-term interest in the garden.

Cassia antillana is an ideal choice for brightening up any spot in the garden. Requiring minimal care once established and thriving in both partial and full sun areas, this tree provides a beautiful focal point with its bright yellow and orange flowers. With regular watering and appropriate care, this tree will provide beauty in the garden for years to come.

Cassia bahamensis, Senna mexicana chapmanii

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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Cassia is a large genus with some 500 species. Cassia likes full sun and well-drained soil and to bloom profusely require a dry season.

Cassia occidentalis, Senna occidentalis, Cassia ligustrina

Coffee Senna, Fedegoso, Privet Cassia. Medium size shrub with orange-yellow flowers from spring to fall. From distance, flowers look like little yellow hummingbirds and attract butterflies and bees. The plant is very ornamental not only due to its bloom but also to large, red-veined leaves. Propagation by seeds.

Cassia spectabilis, Senna spectabilis, Senna macranthera

Cassia spectabilis requires full sun for best growth although it will tolerate semi-shade, with regular water in summer and occasional water in winter. The mature plant is cold hardy at least to low 30s F (0C) for a short time. When grown in a pot, the soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings. It is best not to over-water it. It is a tropical species, native to the South-East Asia, that grows to 10-20 feet tall in USDA Zones 9-11. It produces very showy yellow and orange flowers, which are fragrant and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

This ornamental plant is tolerant of pruning and can make an excellent hedge/bower or a trellis as it clings easily and is moderate fast growing. It can be maintained at a lower height as well. Cassia spectabilis needs a sheltered position, preferrably with a south or south-east facing aspect when grown in cold regions. In cold regions it is best to bring the potted plant indoors in winter or to insulate the pot for additional cold protection. Cassia spectabilis is an outstanding, long-blooming, cold hardy and easy to grow tropical tree or large shrub, ideal for both home and landscape gardens.

Senna alata, Cassia alata

Senna alata is a large shrub or small tree native to South America. In ideal conditions, it can grow up to 5-10 ft tall as a shrub and 10-20 ft as a small tree. To successfully cultivate Senna alata, it is important for the plant to be in full sun with regular waterings. The sun will provide the necessary heat for the yellow and orange flowers to bloom, providing beautiful colors and textures to any landscape.

Senna alata is an ethnomedical plant, meaning it has many medicinal uses. In particular, the antibacterial and antifungal activities of the flowers have been used to treat tinea versicolor and ringworm infections. The beauty of this plant also attracts butterflies, hummingbirds and other pollinators.

When it comes to caring for this plant, Senna alata is a deciduous plant, meaning it will lose its foliage in the fall and winter. During this time, mature plants have proven to be cold hardy, withstanding temperatures as low as 30s F for a short period of time. For colder regions, Senna alata should be grown in pots and winterized, to prevent damage from the cold.

For those looking for a statement plant with medicinal purposes, Senna alata is a great choice. With flowering clusters, bright green foliage and cold hardiness, it's sure to bring life to any existing landscape, as well as provide potential health benefits.

Senna artemisioides subsp. artemisioides

Silvery-grey quick-growing shrub with scented golden-yellow flowers in winter. Propagation: Seeds

Senna artemisioides subsp. sturtii.

Senna artemisioides subsp. sturtii

Small shrub to 1.5m with grey foliage. Grows scattered on red sandy soils and stony ridges. Good garden shrub.

See Senna artemisioides subsp. artemisioides.

Senna bicapsularis, Cassia bicapsularis, Cassia sennoides

Evergreen large shrub, or small tree, fast growing 8 to 12 feet tall, 8 to 10 feet spread. Light yellow to deep golden yellow buttercup-shaped flowers, with prominent curved stamens, appearing in large sprays, over a long period in autumn and winter.

Senna corymbosa, Cassia falcata

Senna corymbosa is one of a family of over 500 species of trees, shrubs, perennial herbs and annuals that make up the family of Cassias/Sennas, most of which come from the Tropics. Senna corymbosa is from sub-tropical South America and is designated Zone 8. It is a shrub or small tree growing in nature to around 12 ft producing racemes of golden-yellow flowers through the Summer months. It is suitable for pot cultivation for the patio or conservatory. Perfectly grows and blooms in containers due to its slow growth habit and won't overgrow the pot. Perfect for a sunny patio.

This plant was previously misnamed as Cassia odorata.

Senna floribunda, Cassia floribunda

A free flowering, bushy, evergreen, large size shrub or small tree with large heads of yellow flowers resembling butterflies over many months in autumn through spring. Seeds are very ornamental, finger-shaped pods are extremely unusual.