Golden Shower
Cassia fistula
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Cassia
- Species:
- Cassia fistula
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 20-40 ft
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Bloom Months:
- mar, apr, may, jun, jul, aug
- Bloom Colors:
- golden, yellow
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Anabasis ochrodesma, Black Witch Moth (Ascalapha odorata), litchi fruit borer (Cryptophlebia ombrodelta), Striped Garden Caterpillar Moth (Trichordestra legitima), Trachylepidia fructicassiella
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, sandy to loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- Prefers nutrient-poor soils in native habitats