Apple Blossom

Cassia javanica

Native to:
Andaman Is., Australia, Bangladesh, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Cambodia, China, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Myanmar, New Guinea, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Solomon Is., Sumatera, Thailand, Vietnam

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Cassia
Species:
Cassia javanica
USDA Symbol:
CAJA3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
2500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
pink, red, white

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Caterpillars:
★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Anabasis ochrodesma

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Black-tailed bumble (Bombus melanopygus), Common eastern bumble bee (Bombus impatiens), Pyrobombus Dalla, Tri-colored bumble bee (Bombus ternarius), ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Fragrant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers fertile soil with good organic content

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Seeds have a hard coat requiring scarification (hot water treatment or mechanical nicking) for best germination.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI