Description
Form: Rounded shrub.
Leaf retention: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Rapid.
Mature Size: 6' (1.8m) high and wide. This plant needs an 8' (2.4m) diameter space for sufficient room to grow.
Flowers: Five yellow, cupped petals, growing in clusters, fragrant.
Bloom: Winter to spring.
Fruit: A flat bean pod, green turning to brown. The beans are edible when cooked.
Leaves: Feathery-looking, narrow and linear petioles (leaf stems) that function as leaves, light green to gray-green, covered in tiny hairs.
Stems: Smooth, gray, no thorns.
Roots: Nitrogen-fixing*, with a taproot.
Wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies and bees. The seeds attract small birds.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Australia.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 8b-11. It is damaged below 22°F (-5.5°C).
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun to part shade. This plant is greener in part shade.
Soil: Well draining to avoid root rot, dry, pH 6.6-8.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline). This plant is saline tolerant. *Do not use a nitrogen fertilizer.
Water once established: Monthly. The plant may become yellow if overwatered.
Prune: Lightly, soon after flowering. Flowers bloom on old wood. The fullest bloom occurs when the plant is allowed to grow "spiky" after spring trimming. New flower buds set in August. Pruning after August eliminates flowering the following winter. Prune moderately to spur new growth and to shape. Prune seedpods after flowering if desired. Remove winter damage after the danger of frost has passed.
Litter: Abundant bean pods.
Propagation: Seed soaked in hot water for 10-20 minutes.
Uses: Ornamental, low water (xeriscape) garden, wildlife garden.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Legume family (Fabaceae). Its scientific synonym is Cassia artemisioides. Another common name is Feathery Senna. This is a colorful, fragrant, and hardy plant for Southwestern gardens.

Senna phyllodinea: Silver Leaf Senna, is similar. It has wider, flattened petioles that look like long, narrow and flat leaves instead of being needle-like. It needs full sun rather than part shade and may become leggy with overwatering. When it receives insufficient water, or is in a drought situation, some of its leaves will turn slightly yellowish and its older leaves may drop. It must be protected from rabbits which love the foliage and will destroy a young plant.

---

Do you have additional information or a different experience for these plants that you would like to share? Email info@GardenOracle.com. All contributions are welcome and appreciated.