Senna artemisioides subsp. filifolia

Botanical Name

Senna artemisioides (de Candolle) Randell subsp. filifolia Randell

Common Name(s)

  • thread-leaf cassia
  • punty bush
  • desert cassia

Synonyms

Parent Species

Senna artemisioides

Legume Clades

Caesalpinioideae , Cassieae , Senna

Native Geographic Range

  • Australia

IUCN Status

Growth Form

shrub

Cultivation Status in AZ

Commonly cultivated

Description

Evergreen plants to 8 ft (2.5 m) high with dark gray bark that becomes slightly rough. Leaves are once-pinnate with 1--4 pairs of slender, green leaflets. Showy yellow flowers are produced in abundance during the winter and early spring.

Habitat

Native to Australia where it is widespread in inland areas in desert, grassland, and woodland habitats.

Uses

Browsed by cattle, sheep, and goats.

Horticulture

Thread-leaf cassia is planted as an informal hedge or screen, and for its masses of showy flowers. Established plants are exceptionally drought-tolerant. The plants are hardy to around 16° F (-8.8° C). This plant is not recommended for landscape use near natural areas due to its invasive potential.