Desert Cassia

Plant Type: evergreen shrub
Plant Height: 3–6 feet
Spread: 4–6 feet
Flower Color: bright yellow
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Desert Cassia (Cassia nemophila): Golden Blooms for Low-Water Landscapes

Desert Cassia is a tough, sun-loving evergreen shrub that explodes with masses of bright yellow flowers in winter and early spring. With its fine-textured foliage and drought tolerance, it’s a favorite for adding color and softness to Arizona landscapes with minimal maintenance.

Key Features of Desert Cassia

• Seasonal Bloom Display: Produces an abundance of cheerful yellow flowers during the cooler months, brightening the winter landscape.
• Fine-Textured Foliage: Small, feathery leaves give the shrub an airy look and complement its showy blooms.
• Drought Tolerant: Once established, requires minimal supplemental watering.
• Low Maintenance: Naturally rounded shape and slow growth mean little to no pruning is required.

Growing and Care Tips

Desert Cassia is easy to grow and thrives in hot, sunny, and dry conditions.

Soil: Prefers well-draining sandy or rocky soil; avoids clay unless amended for drainage.
Water: Moderate watering during establishment; afterward, water deeply only every few weeks in summer.
Fertilizer: Light feeding with a low-nitrogen fertilizer in late summer or fall can boost flowering.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required; trim lightly after flowering if needed to maintain shape.

Landscaping Uses

• Seasonal Color Accent: Adds a burst of gold to winter gardens.
• Low-Water Borders: Perfect for xeriscapes, rock gardens, and desert-adapted designs.
• Wildlife Gardens: Flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
• Mass Plantings: Creates a dramatic seasonal display when planted in groups.

Summary

Desert Cassia is a reliable, low-maintenance shrub that delivers brilliant winter color while thriving in Arizona’s heat and drought. It’s an ideal choice for homeowners who want beauty without heavy upkeep.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Desert Cassia

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for best flowering and growth.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or rocky soils are ideal; amend clay soils to improve drainage.
Spacing: Space 4–6 feet apart to allow for natural spread.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Not needed—naturally sturdy growth habit.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deeply water at planting to settle roots.
• Frequency: Water every 4–5 days for the first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Apply enough to moisten soil 8–10 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Usually after 2–3 months with consistent watering and visible new growth.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Deep water every 14–21 days.
• Winter: Supplemental water is rarely needed except in extended dry periods.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Place 1 emitter 12–18 inches from the base.
Flow Rate: 1–2 gallons per hour.
Number of Emitters: One for young plants; two for mature shrubs.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering in extreme summer heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Desert Cassia:

• Soil Check: Allow top 3–4 inches of soil to dry before watering.
• Avoid Overwatering: This plant prefers drier conditions once established.
• Mulch: Use gravel mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds without trapping excess humidity.