Accession Count: 3
Common Name:
gold medallion tree
Family Name:
Fabaceae
Botanical Name:
Cassia leptophylla
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The Cassia leptophylla is spreading or weeping, with a low canopy. This species has evergreen to partly deciduous foliage, the leaves are pinnate, compound, and even. This plant produces perfect (male and female parts per flower) yellow flowers in the summer. From the flowers very large, green, four-sided, bean pods are produced (1).
Compound:
Cas lep
Geographic Origin:
Brazil
Ecozone Origin:
Neotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The gold medallion tree is native to the tropics of southeastern Brazil. The Cassia leptophylla was first planted in the Los Angeles County Arboretum in 1958 and has become increasingly popular over time (5).
Cultivation Notes:
Cassia is a subtropical tree and therefore, its roots will become better established in warm weather. Be sure to provide good drainage. Keep deeply watering after planting, if watering by hose let the water run slowly for several hours. This will help the roots to grow further down and create young roots that are best for new growth and absorbing many nutrients.
Ethnobotany:
The Cassia leptophylla is valued for landscaping attributions. It is great for shading areas because its canopy growth in an umbrella fashion. It is also said that its sticky brown pulp in the seeds are used for herbal medicines (6). Though be cautious because without preparation the seeds are very poisonous.
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
20 - 50 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
