Golden Shower
Cassia fistula
- Native to:
- India, Sri Lanka
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Cassia
- Species:
- Cassia fistula
- USDA Symbol:
- CAFI3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 2000 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Anabasis ochrodesma, Black Witch Moth (Ascalapha odorata), Striped Garden Caterpillar Moth (Trichordestra legitima), Trachylepidia fructicassiella
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, birds
- Fragrant:
- Yes
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
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds have hard coat requiring scarification (mechanical or hot water treatment). Germination improves with soaking in warm water for 24-48 hours after scarification.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI