Desert Cassia (Senna polyphylla)

The Desert Cassia Tree occurs from Puerto Rico to The Virgin Islands.  It is a very popular landscape tree in South Florida due to its small weeping form, attaining a height of 6-15′ and a spread of 6-10′ wide.  It is also drought tolerant and moderately salt tolerant making it a good tree for xeriscapes.  Its small leaves and moderate size makes this tree suitable for pot culture and bonsai.  It flowers with 1″ yellow blossoms on and off year round all along the branches, with flowering most prevalent, between mid-October and May.

This tree is also popular with butterfly enthusiasts, as it is a host plant for Sulphur Butterflies as well as an excellent nectar source.  Desert Cassia was voted Plant of the Year in 1999 by the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association.  At the nursery, we have several trees available in 3gal., and 15gal. containers.

Senna polyphylla (Desert Cassia)

Senna polyphylla (Desert Cassia)

Senna polyphylla (Desert Cassia)