Feathery Cassia

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 3-6 feet
Spread: 3-6 feet
Flower Color: yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Feathery Cassia: A Bright and Drought-Tolerant Shrub for Arizona Landscapes

Feathery Cassia (Senna artemisioides), also known as Silver Cassia, is an ideal choice for Arizona landscapes, bringing year-round texture and a seasonal burst of vibrant color with minimal maintenance. Native to Australia, this drought-tolerant shrub thrives in arid environments, making it an excellent fit for xeriscaping and low-water garden designs.

Key Features of Feathery Cassia

• Brilliant Yellow Blooms: In late winter and early spring, Feathery Cassia is covered in clusters of bright yellow flowers. These blooms add a cheerful splash of color to gardens and emit a light, pleasant fragrance, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.
• Attractive Foliage: The shrub’s silver-green, finely divided leaves have a feathery appearance, providing a soft, textured backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the golden flowers.
• Hardy and Low Maintenance: This plant is both drought-tolerant and resilient, adapting well to Arizona's hot, dry climate once established.

Growing and Care Tips

Feathery Cassia is well-suited for Arizona’s climate and thrives with minimal care:

• Soil: Prefers well-draining soil and tolerates a range of soil types, from sandy to rocky soils common in desert landscapes.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for best growth and flowering, making it ideal for open, sunny spots in the garden.
• Watering: Very drought-tolerant once established; requires occasional watering during extended dry periods to maintain optimal health.

Landscaping Uses

This versatile shrub is suitable for a variety of landscape designs:

• Borders and Mixed Beds: Use it as a colorful border plant or mix it with other low-water perennials to add texture and seasonal interest.
• Accent or Focal Plant: Its bright blooms make it a standout feature, drawing attention and adding vibrancy to the garden.
• Screening or Informal Hedges: With its moderate height, Feathery Cassia can be used to create natural screens or informal hedges for privacy.

Summary

Feathery Cassia is a perfect choice for Arizona gardeners seeking a resilient, low-maintenance shrub that adds both color and texture. Its bright yellow blooms, silver-green foliage, and drought tolerance make it a standout for xeriscaping, borders, and native plant gardens. This easy-care shrub provides a beautiful and practical addition to water-wise landscapes in warm climates.

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

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Feathery Cassia is a shrub that does not require staking but benefits from occasional pruning to shape the plant and promote blooming

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Feathery Cassia is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil and the plant begins showing consistent new growth

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks