Description
Common names
Silver Cassia, Narrow-leaf Desert Cassia, Cassia, Punty.
Scientific names
Senna artemisioides subsp. zygophylla, Cassia artemisioides.
Family
Caesalpinaceae.
Genus
Senna.
Name origin
Senna, from Arabic name. Artemisioides, from genus Artemisia and oides, like, referring to similarity.
Rainfall
200mm.
Growth rate
Fast.
Growth height
1-3m.
Presence in Australia
Widespread mainly west of the Olympic Highway in drier areas and lighter soils.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA, NT, WA.
Habitat
All three varieties are on inland plains. All except Silver Cassia also inhabit rocky slopes.
Habit
Small bushy shrubs, 1-3m high, with silver-grey leaves.
Site preference
Moderately well-drained soil, in full sun. Tolerates drought and frost, although heavy frost may damage tips.
Characteristics
Fast-growing. Short-lived. Three varieties tend to hybridise.
Flowering
Golden-yellow, winter and spring. Sweet scented.
Seed collection
Early Dec to mid Mar. Monitor closely as seeds shed immediately or 1-2 days after maturity.
Propagation
From scarified seed. Try boiling or hot water soaking treatment, and dry seed before sowing to prevent rotting. Also from cuttings.
Regeneration
Seeds readily. Establishes readily when direct seeded.
Shade and shelter
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks. Important component of understorey.
Land protection
Legume - improves soil fertility through "fixing" nitrogen.
Wildlife
Excellent habitat.
Ornamental
Ornamental for gardens or as low hedge. Attractive foliage and abundant flowers. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape (becomes straggly with age) and promote flowering.