Senna (Cassia) bicapsularis

butterfly bush
Soft evergreen shrub, loved for its fall to winter bloom, when it becomes a pillowy golden yellow cloud. Prune to shape after flowering. Frost sets back, but regrows from ground level.
synonyms Cassia bicapsularis
height 8–12ft
width 8–10ft
tolerates Drought, Heat, Neglect
water
needs		 Low – Moderate
water
info		 Water this plant regularly, when the top inch or two or so of soil feels dry. If you establish this pattern over several years, then you can cut back to watering every week or two in dry weather. Use drippers, emitters, or a slow stream of water so that it does not run off; allow the water to trickle all the way down through the deepest layers of soil. In a pot slowly water the entire surface until water comes out of the bottom of your pot.
hardy
to		 20F
exposure Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil, Tolerates Heavy Soil, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing Low Needs
origin N South America
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 8, 9, 12–H2

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

OUTDOOR EXPOSURE GUIDE

Full Sun
Six or more hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Shade
Three to five hours of sun beams directly landing on the plant's leaves.

Part Sun
One to two hours of sun beams directly landing on the plants leaves.

Full Shade
The plant is never fully lit by sun beams, but is in a bright spot or has dappled sunbeams playing over the leaves throughout the day.

Deep Shade
The plant never has dappled light on the leaves, and is in a place that feels dim, even on a nice sunny day.

SUNSET ZONES MAP

Growing Notes

While this plant wants to grow a bit wild it can be tamed by selecting evenly spaced and non crossing branches while pruning out others. Tip pruning from spring into mid summer also helps to provide a tidier well mounded form, and some stay stimulates fall flowering. This shrub can also be trained into a small tree by selecting a single trunk, though it will need to be staked to force it into a standard form.

Special Interest

The common name butterfly bush refers to the flowers, which are shaped like golden butterflies.

In its native range this plant has varied medicinal uses and is also used to flavor beans and stews, similar to the way bay leaves are used.

More Info

In colder areas with warm summers, will resprout from freezes.