The Golden Shower - Cassia fistula is a deciduous tree that reaches heights of 65 feet on average. It grows in a single erect form with branching at the ground with ascending branches. It was originally introduced from Southeast Asia and is cultivated in warmer climates and naturalized very sparingly in Florida. There are three species of Cassia that are reported to occur in Florida but none are considered to be naturalized, they include The Pink Shower (Cassia grandis), African Pipe Cassia (Cassia afrofistula) and Pink Shower/Apple Blossom (Cassia javanica). The Genus Cassia once included many more plants that have since been divided into three different genera, Cassia, Chamaecristaand Senna. Cassia are a member of the Fabaceae (Bean/Pea Family) which is made up of 730 genera and over 19,000 species, it is the third largest plant family in the world outnumbered only by the Asteraceae (Sunflower) and Orchiaceae (Orchid) families.
Image Citation: Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org
The Golden Shower is easily identified by the combination of evenly compounded leaves, large leaflets and very showy yellow flowers. The bark is grey and smooth, becoming more rough and dark with age. The leaves are alternate, pinnate and divided into an even number of leaflets. The flowers are bisexual, 3-6 cm in diameter, with 5 petals that are pale or bright yellow. The flowers occur in Spring to Summer. The fruit is narrow, cylindrical, lustrous, dark brown legumes that are 30-60 cm long. The fruit matures in Summer to Fall.
Image Citation: Forest and Kim Starr, Starr Environmental, Bugwood.org
Meet more trees www.ArundelTreeService.com or www.MeetATree.com
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