Senna polyphylla is a very forgiving tree in the nursery and the landscape. There's no need to fuss over it during production, and it grows well in drought conditions and thrives with no care. Desert cassia would be an easy addition to many tropical and semi-tropical nurseries' production schedules.
Showy tree
Desert cassia is a tropical plant, hardy only to USDA Hardiness Zone 9. But it grows well in a container, and customers in colder climates can simply move it indoors, said Dolores Fugina, owner of Bloomin' Good Nursery in
"Being in a container will not interfere with flowering," she said.
This evergreen tree grows about 12 feet tall, although it can be pruned to grow as a shrub. Mike Tevelonis, a grower at Botanics Wholesale in
This evergreen tree features small leaves with bright-yellow flower clusters and it flowers from spring to fall. The yellow flowers are excellent butterfly attractants, Fugina said.
"In a sunny spot in
Easy to grow
S. polyphylla is propagated from seed. Tevelonis sprouts hundreds of seeds in the greenhouse in one flat, separates them and transplants seedlings into a 2 7/8-inch container. From there the plants are grown in a 3-gallon pot and finally finished in a 15-gallon.
He waters liners twice a week. Once in a 3-gallon pot, he moves them outside beneath an understory. Once they're in a 15-gallon pot, plants are moved to full sun.
He grows desert cassia in a mix of Canadian peat, perlite and a little aged compost.
Low maintenance
In the landscape, grow desert cassia in full sun with good drainage. It grows well in drought conditions.
"The prettiest one I have was planted naturally by the birds," Tevelonis said. "It's neglected and gets no care, but it looks great."
There are no pests or diseases associated with this tree. "In the nursery or in the landscape, I don't have to spray for bugs or fungus, or any disease," Tevelonis said.
{sidebar id=28}
Specifics
Name: Senna polyphylla
Common name: Desert cassia.
Description: Small- to medium-sized tree with small leaves and clusters of yellow flowers.
Propagation: Seed.
Landscape use: As an accent tree, patio plant or in butterfly gardens.
Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zone 9.
For more: Bloomin' Good Nursery,
- Kelli Rodda