Plant Min Zone: 9b
Plant Max Zone: 11b
Sunlight: Full Sun
Water / Rainfall: Average, High, Very High
Soil Quality: Average, Rich
Bloom Season: Late Summer, Fall
Flower Color: Yellow, Gold
Berry / Fruit Color: None
Spring Foliage Color: Green
Summer Foliage Color: Green
Fall Foliage Color: Green
Evergreen Foliage: No
Winter Interest: No
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: Medium
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Medium
Humidity Tolerance: High
Wind Tolerance: Low
Poor Soil Tolerance: Clay Soils, Rocky Soils, Sandy Soils
Height: 6' - 12'
Width: 5' - 10'
Growth Rate: Extremely Fast
Service Life: N.A.
Maintenance Need: N.A.
Spreading Potential: N.A.
Yearly Trimming Tips: N.A.
Plant Grouping Size: N.A.
Best Side of House: N.A.
Extreme Planting Locations: N.A.
Ornamental Features: N.A.
Special Landscape Uses: N.A.
Possible Pest Problems: N.A.
Plant Limitations: N.A.
Yellow Candlestick Tree (Cassia / Senna alata) is grown in Kansas as a giant annual capable of reaching 6 to 12 feet in one season. Growth is slow at first in Spring when temperatures are still cool. It is native to tropical rainforests in Mexico and South America generally fulfilling the role of a pioneer species rapidly colonizing disturbed areas. Bright green bi-pinnate leaves are symmetrically arranged and very tropical looking. As branching and growth form develop, the overall geometrical effect is stunning even without flowers yet. Finally by September and all through October until frost, yellow candle-like flowers tower over the foliage. Some plants may have up to 50-100 flower spikes at one time. Cut down promptly after frost as there is no winter interest. Seeds rarely have time to develop in our shorter growing season but it is possible to harvest seeds if the first fall freeze is late. Yellow Candlestick Tree grows fastest in rich well drained soils and plenty of water. Growth is equally impressive in most Kansas soils including heavy clay as long as watering is sufficient. Yellow Candlestick Tree needs hot summers, full sun, and warm humid conditions to thrive. When grown in a large pot, it is very difficult to overwinter inside so it's best to buy new plants each year. This plant has also evolved and interesting relationship with ants, providing nectary glands (food) in exchange for protection from insect pests. Use Yellow Candlestick Tree where you need to fill up a lot of space in a hurry or just like lots of yellow flowers in the fall when other things are not blooming. Interestingly, the foliage is sensitive to light, folding up neatly at sunset and opening up the nest morning.