Photo of Senna didymobotrya flower, foliage, form by Forest & Kim Starr

Photo by Forest & Kim Starr

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Senna didymobotrya

Also Known As

  • Cassia didymobotrya
  • African Senna
  • Candelabra Tree
  • Peanut Butter Cassia
  • Popcorn Cassia

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

  • H: 8'
  • W: 5'-10'

planting zones

  • 10a-11

More Options

Senna didymobotrya plant details

Senna didymobotrya is a broadleaf evergreen perennial shrub with green foliage. In summer yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water. Prefers to be dry when dormant. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Senna didymobotrya

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: fabaceae, rutaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 5 FT - 10 FT - wide, 8 FT tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in summer
Uses: tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Senna didymobotrya

USDA Zones: 10a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Tall spikes of dark golden yellow 1" blooms are born in summer and fall on an upright growing shrub. Called Popcorn Cassia because when brushed or crushed the foliage emits the wonderful fragrance of freshly buttered popcorn. Considered by some to be root hardy in zone 9 with protection.
Fast growing, gorgeous foliage, luscious black buds & showy bright yellow flowers make this native legume of east Africa a valuable garden accent. To 8’ tall, multi-branching with beautiful tropical looking, bright green, pinnate foliage, this unusual Cassia blooms Spring through Fall but most heavily in Summer & Fall. The showy 2” flowers are densely held on branching spikes up to 1’ long & emerge from rich, shiny black buds. Can get rangy, so prune back after flowering to maintain a pleasing shape or can be trained as an interesting vine subject. Foliage has a rich buttered popcorn scent! May have weed potential, so don’t plant near wild area.
A showy tropical/subtropical legume with deep green pinnately divided leaves, and yellow flowers emerging from black buds. Hardy to light frosts only, but it is a good container plant. HW.

Gardening facts about Senna didymobotrya plant

How to Grow Senna didymobotrya

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Water Needs

    • dry when dormant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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