This semi-evergreen to deciduous tree has a large grey-brown trunk with spreading branches forming a rounded crown. The long divided leaves have dark-green ovate leaflets and the bowl-shaped yellow pendant flowers appear from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12

Cassia fistulais naturally found from India to south-east Asia growing in sub-tropical scrub, woodlands and along riverbanks in well-drained fertile moist soils. It prefers a sunny protected position and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

The Golden Shower Tree is grown for its colourful flowers and is planted in large gardens or parks for shade or for colour contrast. It is also used as a specimen tree in tropical gardens establishing in 3 to 5 years and is suitable for coastal and inland regions. Under cultivation it normally only reaches half its mature height. ID 1566

Cassia (KASS-ee-uh)fistula (FIST-yoo-luh)

Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)