Overview
A compact Florida-native flowering shrub covered with clear yellow blooms for much of the year, bringing bright color and outstanding butterfly value to sunny landscapes.
Mature Size and Habit
It commonly grows 3 to 5 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide with a rounded, open habit. Warm weather encourages quick branching and repeat flowering.
Best Landscape Uses
Use it in pollinator gardens, sunny borders, foundation beds, containers, and coastal plantings. A mass of several plants creates the strongest seasonal display.
Sunlight
Full sun is best for compact growth and abundant bloom. Light partial sun is tolerated, but flowering decreases as shade increases.
Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation
Plant in well-drained sand or loam. Once established it handles dry periods well, and overwatering is a greater risk than brief drought.
Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida
Install from spring through early fall for rapid establishment. In Tampa, late-winter planting also works when frost protection is available for tender new growth.
Pruning and Maintenance
Tip-prune young plants to encourage branching and lightly reduce size after a heavy bloom cycle. Avoid hard pruning during cold weather.
Wildlife Value
This shrub attracts bees and butterflies and serves as a larval host for sulphur butterflies. It is one of the most useful small native pollinator plants.
Cold and Heat Sensitivity
Heat, humidity, drought, and light salt exposure are tolerated. Frost can burn stems and foliage, though established plants usually recover in warm sites.
Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings
Keep reasonable clearance from paths because seed pods and twiggy growth create light litter. As with many Senna species, plant parts should not be treated as edible.
Invasive Concerns
Bahama cassia is a Florida native and not invasive. Remove unwanted seedlings or seed pods where a very tidy appearance is required.
Helpful Resources
For region-specific care guidance, review the UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions website and follow local watering rules.
