Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula)

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Sunlight Requires full sun for abundant flowering; tolerates partial shade but produces fewer blooms

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Watering Water deeply during extended dry periods; drought-tolerant once established

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Temperature Thrives in warm tropical/subtropical climates; sensitive to frost and temperatures below 10°C

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Leaf: Pinnately compound, 30–60 cm long; oval bright green leaflets arranged oppositely
Flower: Pendulous 30–60 cm racemes of fragrant golden yellow five-petaled blooms
Fruit: Cylindrical brown woody pods 30–60 cm long, holding black seeds in sweet sticky pulp

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Watering

Water deeply every 7–10 days during dry spells to support flowering

Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at bud break. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers that promote leaf growth over flowering

Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, dilute 1:20 with water, and apply as a root drench to avoid odor and pest issues

Pruning

Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in late winter before new growth emerges
Thin crowded inner branches to improve air circulation and light penetration
Trim lower branches to shape as a specimen tree or street tree

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Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed toxic; contains glycosides and anthraquinones that cause digestive distress

Humans: Ripe fruit pulp is edible, but unripe pods and seeds contain toxic anthraquinones that may cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested

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Culture: National flower of Thailand; symbolizes prosperity and purity in Indian and Southeast Asian cultures

Usage: Ornamental street tree; ripe pulp used in traditional medicine for mild laxative purposes (in controlled doses)