Description

Cassia Fistula (Golden Shower) is a fast-growing tree of medium size, typically it reaches 20-40 feet tall; with an irregular, vase or oval crown, which is moderately dense. In addition, branches are slightly drooping. The bark is grey, mottled and moderately rough and may have thorns.

Flowering and Foliage of Cassia Fistula

Leaves are bright green, 12-18 inches long, alternate, pinnate, with 4-8 pairs of ovate, opposite leaflets each 3-6 inches long; the tree is briefly deciduous. In full bloom, the tree is festive with chains of golden yellow flowers; 8-18 inches in length, and blooms with 5 petals each about 2 inches wide.

Also, it displays dark brown, cylindrica seedpods, 1 inch thick and up to 2 feet long, which persist on the tree through the winter. Moreover, pods have a pungent odor and contain several poisonous seeds, which are for propagation. The tree has strong durable wood.

Soil Type and Plant Requirements of Golden Shower tree

Golden Shower grows well on a range of soil types providing they are well drained; it has no major pest or disease problems. Furthermore, the tree requires pruning to control the crown shape, especially when young. In landscaping, this is a showy specimen tree and is an excellent choice for gardens, for shade and as a street tree. Cassia Fistula (Golden Shower) is the national tree of Thailand.

Other popular and beautiful plants: Grevillea Robusta.