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
Forest & Kim Starr (www.hear.org)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Cassia
- Species:
- Cassia javanica
- USDA Symbol:
- CAJA3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, 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, birds
- 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
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) to break hard seed coat.