Description
Plant Details
Botanical Name: Cassia fistula
Host Plant to: Native butterflies
Nectar Plant to: Bees and butterflies
Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous flowering tree
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy or loamy
Moisture Requirements: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9–11
Plant Height: 25–40 feet
Spacing: 15–20 feet
Bloom Time: Late spring through summer
Bloom Color: Bright golden yellow
Special Features: Showy flowers, fast growth, low maintenance
Description
The golden shower tree is known for its brilliant yellow blooms that drip like sunshine from every branch. In full bloom, it transforms streets and gardens into golden tunnels of color. The tree grows quickly in warm climates and provides dappled shade throughout the dry season. It’s often used in tropical landscapes to frame driveways or mark property lines. The cassia tree is more than ornamental—it draws in bees, butterflies, and seasonal joy. With its easy-going nature and fast growth, it’s a favorite for new gardeners.
The cassia fistula tree doesn’t require much once established. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil but tolerates occasional neglect. Gardeners prize it for low maintenance and dramatic seasonal impact. Each flower cluster can reach up to two feet long, gently swaying in the wind. This tree is deciduous, meaning it sheds its leaves briefly before blooming—just in time for its golden show. Some even use it for light shade near patios. Its natural shape is graceful, with long branches that arch elegantly.
You don’t have to be a professional landscaper to grow a golden shower tree. It adapts well to sandy or loamy soil and thrives in hot zones. When planted young, it needs some staking, but soon stands strong on its own. It’s also known in traditional medicine and folklore across Asia. Today, people grow it for its beauty, wildlife value, and tropical presence. If your yard needs a statement piece, this cassia tree delivers color, life, and instant charm.
