Photo of Senna artemisioides flower, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Senna artemisioides

Also Known As

  • Feathery Cassia
  • Silver Cassia

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 6'
  • W: 6'

planting zones

  • 8b-11

More Options

Senna artemisioides plant details

Senna artemisioides is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with blue foliage. In spring and winter yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Senna artemisioides

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 6 FT wide, 6 FT tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and winter
Uses: fragrant, long-blooming, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Senna artemisioides

USDA Zones: 8b - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: heat
Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Among the shrubs providing some winter color at the Ruth Bancroft Garden is a delightful one named Senna artemisioides (also known as Cassia artemisioides). It has an upright habit of growth and reaches a height of 6 to 8 feet, with bright yellow flowers produced in the fall and winter. The flowers are small, but their abundance makes up for this. The leaves of S. artemisioides are divided into needle-like leaflets, and their color is gray-green or silvery-green. The overall effect is airy rather than dense, and these plants are sometimes called “feathery cassia” (the name “silver cassia”, in reference to the leaf color, is sometimes used as well). Another interesting feature of Senna artemisioides is its seed pods. Though they are thinner and more papery, they are reminiscent of snow peas, especially when they are young and green in color. They later turn brown, and then split open so that the shiny black seeds are visible. Because the flowers are so freely produced, they give rise to many pods, and these hang downward from the branches. They are about 2 to 4 inches long, and last for many months. The appearance of the pods is a clue that these shrubs are part of the broad alliance known as the Pea Family. S. artemisioides is native to inland areas of Australia, and we have two similar Sennas at the Ruth Bancroft Garden which are also Australian in origin. These are S. phyllodinea and S nemophila, and both also are attractive shrubs with yellow flowers. Senna nemophila has an appearance quite similar to that of S. artemisioides, but with a green color. Senna phyllodinea has the gray or silvery leaf color of S. artemisioides, but while its leaves are narrow, they are not divided into the needle-thin leaflets found in the other two, so that its texture is not as fine. Senna artemisioides is easy to grow and is drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for low-water gardening. It is not fussy about soil type, and it likes plenty of sun. While we have not grown the other two species for nearly as long, they seem to perform well here also.
When I first saw this Winter & Spring blooming shrub growing at the Ruth Bancroft Garden I knew I needed it. But then I’m a sucker for silvery foliage & then this has a bonus of lovely yellow flowers. The silver foliage is quite lovely & feathery. It creates a smoke or mist-like effect in the garden with its finely textured leaves. It blooms profusely for a long time (Dec-May) & has bright yellow, scented flowers. The brown seed pods that follow are ornamental too. Senna artemisioides grows quickly to 6’ tall & wide & creates a rounded, upright forum. Native to Central Australia, this plant is one TOUGH COOKIE & can tolerate heat & drought without batting an eyelash.

Gardening facts about Senna artemisioides plant

How to Grow Senna artemisioides

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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