Cassia

Cassia Golden – Best Plants In New Zealand!

Adding colourful shrubs such as Cassia Golden to your garden delivers a vast range of benefits:

• They are visual plants that add impact to a space.
• They attract birds and bees.
• Street appeal can be greatly enhanced.
• Children can learn the plants and become more involved with nature.
• These plants will bring you pleasure for many years to come.

We have the largest variety of Cassia Golden plants, and the right one for your space. These plants have been selected to thrive in NZ’s climate. We stock only the highest quality plants, sourcing them locally, and from NZ’s leading nurseries. Each plant is packed and transported with extreme care, ensuring it arrives to you in the same condition it was in when it left the nursery. If you are wanting to buy Cassia plants, shop with confidence from the best in the industry.

Cassia Questions

1. How tall does a Cassia plant get?

The height of a cassia plant depends on the species. Some cassia plants are shrubs, while others are trees and these can grow to 15 m tall.

Here are some examples of cassia plants and their heights:

• Cassia fistula (Golden shower tree): 6-12 m tall
• Cassia glauca (Popcorn cassia): 3-6 m tall
• Cassia javanica (Pink shower tree): 6-12 m tall
• Cassia spectabilis (Yellow cassia): 3-6 m tall
• Cassia splendida (Golden candle tree): 6-12 m tall

2. Where does Cassia grow?

Cassia plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. They are also grown in many other parts of the world as ornamental plants and food crops.

3. What is the best soil for Cassia tree?

Cassia trees prefer a well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. They can tolerate a variety of soil types, as long as they are free-draining.

4. Is Cassia the same as Senna?

Cassia and senna are two closely related genera of plants, both belonging to the legume family Fabaceae. They have many similarities in appearance and growth habits, and some species of cassia and senna are even used for the same medicinal purposes. However, there are also some important differences between the two genera.

Cassia

The genus Cassia contains over 700 species of plants, including shrubs, trees, and herbs. Cassia plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are known for their beautiful flowers, which can be yellow, pink, or red. Some cassia plants are also grown for their edible seeds or leaves.

Senna

The genus Senna contains over 350 species of plants, including shrubs, trees, and herbs. Senna plants are also native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are best known for their laxative properties, which are due to the presence of anthraquinones in the leaves and fruits of some senna species.

5. Is Cassia a herb or shrub?

Cassia is a genus of plants that includes both herbs and shrubs. There are over 700 species of cassia, and they are native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Some cassia species are grown as ornamental plants, while others are grown for their medicinal or edible properties. One of the most popular cassia species is Cassia fistula, also known as the golden shower tree. This tree is grown for its beautiful yellow flowers, which bloom prolifically during spring.

6. What is golden Cassia?

Golden Cassia refers to the Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula). It is a medium-sized, fast-growing tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It's known for its spectacular display of bright yellow flowers that erupt in long, cascading clusters during the summer months. The leaves of the tree drop off during flowering, creating a stunning golden rain of petals. The tree's fruit is a long, brown pod containing seeds.

The golden shower tree is popular in warmer climates as an ornamental tree due to its beautiful flowers and drought tolerance. It also has some historical and medicinal uses.

7. What is Cassia fistula good for?

Cassia fistula, also known as the golden shower tree, has a long history of use in traditional medicine and has various potential benefits. Here's a breakdown of its reported uses:

Historical and traditional uses:

• Laxative: The pulp of the fruit is the most commonly used part and has been employed as a laxative for centuries. However, it's important to note that it can have strong laxative effects and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to potential side effects.
• Skin conditions: The pulp or bark is sometimes used topically to treat skin problems like eczema and ringworm. Again, consult a healthcare professional before applying to the skin.
• Fever and inflammation: The leaves and flowers have been used traditionally to reduce fever and inflammation.
• Other uses: Historically, the wood has been used for construction and furniture, while the flowers and seeds have been used in religious ceremonies and traditional medicine for various ailments.

Potential benefits based on research:

• Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties: Studies suggest Cassia fistula may possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could contribute to its potential benefits for skin conditions and other inflammatory issues.
• Wound healing: Preliminary research indicates that the fruit pulp might promote wound healing.
• Antibacterial and antifungal activity: Some studies suggest the extract may have antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Important considerations:

• Limited scientific evidence: While there are some promising findings, the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of Cassia fistula for many of its traditional uses is limited. More research is needed to confirm its potential benefits and safety.
• Potential side effects: Cassia fistula can have strong laxative effects and may cause diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and dehydration if used excessively. It can also interact with certain medications.
• Not a substitute for medical advice: It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using Cassia fistula for any medicinal purpose, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

8. What is the common name for Cassia plant?

The common name for a Cassia plant can vary depending on the specific species. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Cassia fistula: Golden shower tree, purging cassia, Indian laburnum, pudding-pipe tree
• Cinnamomum cassia: Chinese cinnamon, Saigon cinnamon
• Senna: Senna, Alexandrian senna, senna pods
• Cassia alata: Candleabra tree, popcorn senna, peanut butter cassia
• Cassia bicapsularis: Senna, Indian senna, country senna
• Cassia occidentalis: Black senna, coffee senna, negro senna

9. How tall do golden shower trees grow?

Golden shower trees, also known as Cassia fistula, can grow quite tall, reaching impressive heights depending on various factors. Here's a breakdown of their potential size:

Average Height:

• Golden shower trees typically reach 10-20 meters (33-66 feet) in height when mature.
• However, some exceptional specimens can grow even taller, exceeding 30 meters (98 feet) in optimal conditions.

Factors Affecting Height:

• Climate: Warmer climates with longer growing seasons generally favor taller growth compared to cooler regions.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil provides optimal nutrients and promotes healthier, faster growth.
• Sun exposure: Full sun exposure encourages better growth and branching, potentially leading to greater height.
• Watering: While tolerant of drought, consistent moisture during the growing season can contribute to increased height.
• Pruning: Regularly pruning can control the shape and size of the tree, limiting its overall height if desired.

Growth Rate:

• Golden shower trees are considered fast-growing, typically adding around 0.5-1 metres (1.6-3.3 feet) in height per year in favourable conditions.

Remember: These are just estimates, and the actual height of your golden shower tree will ultimately depend on the specific factors mentioned above.

10. What are the disadvantages of golden shower trees?

Golden shower trees are undeniably beautiful with their cascading golden blooms and unique foliage. However, like any plant, they also have some downsides to consider before planting one in your garden. Here are some potential disadvantages of golden shower trees:

Messy:

• Falling Flowers: During flowering season, the spectacular yellow blossoms eventually drop, creating a significant amount of petal litter that can be difficult to clean up.
• Pods and Seeds: Later in the year, the tree produces large, brown pods that can also fall and add mess to your landscape. These pods split open, releasing black seeds that can further add to the clutter.
• Sticky Sap: The tree's sap can be sticky and difficult to remove if it drips on objects or surfaces.

Maintenance:

• Brittle Wood: Golden shower trees have brittle wood, making them susceptible to breaking during strong winds or storms. Large branches can fall, posing a safety hazard and causing damage to nearby structures.
• Fast Growth: Their fast growth rate can be a benefit in some cases, but it also means they require regular pruning to maintain their shape and size. Neglecting pruning can lead to a messy, sprawling tree.
• Root System: The tree has a deep and aggressive root system, which can potentially damage nearby infrastructure like sidewalks, pipes, or foundations. Consider planting them away from structures.

11. Is the Golden Shower tree evergreen?

The golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) is not considered evergreen. While it retains its beautiful leaves for a large portion of the year, it does typically lose its foliage during the colder months or during periods of drought. The exact timing and duration of leaf loss can vary depending on climate and other factors.

Here's a breakdown of the golden shower tree's leaf cycle:

• Growing season: During spring and summer, the tree boasts lush green leaves that provide shade and contribute to its beauty.
• Autumn: As temperatures drop or drought conditions persist, the tree begins to gradually lose its leaves. This process can be quite dramatic, with the large leaves turning yellow and dropping over a short period.
• Winter: During the coldest months, the tree stands bare, revealing its intricate network of branches and pods.
• Spring: As temperatures rise again, new leaves begin to emerge, marking the return of its verdant canopy.

Even though the golden shower tree isn't truly evergreen, its long periods of foliage and stunning blooms still make it a popular choice for ornamental landscaping.