Coral Shower Tree
Cassia fistula is the Golden Shower Tree and the most widely grown species in Australia. Masses of golden yellow flowers in summer give it the common name.
The flowers hang down in clusters, and the tree is semi deciduous depending on the climate. Slow growing, drought tolerant and easy care it makes a great addition to any garden and can be grown on the perimeter of a smaller garden.
These are a medium to large tropical tree, to 10m. Used in landscaping and as a feature tree. Cassia are drought tolerant and do well in hot, dry conditions. The problem with C. fistula is that is has a tendency to self seed, in the Northern Territory it now regarded as an environmental weed.
Cassia javanica with its pink flowers seems to be a better species for landscaping, partly deciduous depending on the climate, this small tree becomes covered in masses of flowers in late spring to summer. Best in the far north of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
C. artemisoides (syn Senna artemisoides) is smaller growing with yellow flowers and better suited to cooler climates.
Cassia ‘Rainbow Shower’ with its clusters of yellow to pink flowers. is probably the best known in Australia.
Cassia varieties include:
- C. javanica ‘Java Shower’
- C.fistula ‘Golden Shower ‘
- C. nodosa ‘ Pink and White’ shower tree.
Ellenby Tree Farm
439 Sydney Road, Gnangara WA