Description

Golden Shower Tree – Cassia Fistula in South Florida

Cassia Fistula (Golden Shower tree) is a fast-growing, medium-sized tree native to India and Sri Lanka, typically reaching 20–40 feet in height. It develops an irregular, vase to oval crown of moderate density, with slightly drooping branches and grey, mottled, moderately rough bark.

Flowering and Foliage of the Golden Shower Tree

Leaves are bright green, 12–18 inches long, alternate and pinnate, with 4–8 pairs of ovate opposite leaflets each 3–6 inches long. The tree is briefly deciduous. In full bloom, the Golden Shower tree is covered with chains of golden yellow flowers 8–18 inches in length, each with 5 petals about 2 inches wide — one of the most spectacular spring flowering trees for South Florida.

Following the flowers, the tree produces dark brown cylindrical seed pods, 1 inch thick and up to 2 feet long, which persist through winter. The pods have a pungent odor; seeds are poisonous and used only for propagation. The wood is strong and durable.

Cassia Fistula – Soil Requirements & Landscape Use

The Golden Shower tree grows well across a range of well-drained soil types and has no major pest or disease problems. Young trees benefit from pruning to establish a good crown shape. In landscaping, it is a showy specimen tree and an excellent choice for gardens, shade, and street planting.

Cassia Fistula is the national tree and national flower of Thailand. Available at our Homestead nursery in sizes from 25 to 300 gallons, suitable for residential gardens and wholesale landscape projects alike. For full specifications, see our Cassia Fistula spec chart.

🌳 Other popular and beautiful plants: Grevillea Robusta