Peters' Cassia (Senna petersiana)

Peters' Cassia

Senna petersiana

Golden blooms light up dry savannas, a beacon for pollinators. Deciduous flowering shrub; common name: African Wild Senna.

Full sun
1–2/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Thrives in full sun; tolerates partial shade in extreme heat, but reduced flowering may occur
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Watering Drought-tolerant; water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top 15–20 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings
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Temperature Tolerates mild frost down to 5°C; prefers warm, arid to semi-arid temperatures between 18–30°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Pinnately compound leaves with 6–12 pairs of oblong leaflets; pale green, folds at night to reduce water loss
  • Flower: Dense terminal racemes of bright yellow, pea-shaped blooms with five petals each
  • Stem: Slender, grey-brown bark with fine, soft hairs on young growth
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Care Guide

Watering

Water deeply every 7–10 days during active growth and flowering

Fertilization

Apply diluted balanced liquid fertilizer once monthly. Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering rather than excessive foliage growth

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush dried eggshells into fine powder and sprinkle lightly on soil surface; gently work into top layer to enhance soil structure and provide calcium for healthy root growth
Pruning
  • Deadhead spent flower racemes promptly to encourage extended blooming into early summer
  • Thin overcrowded branches in late winter to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
  • Trim back leggy or damaged growth in early spring to maintain a compact, rounded form
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort

Humans: Ingestion of large quantities may cause gastrointestinal upset including nausea and diarrhea

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental garden plant for arid landscapes; traditional medicinal use for digestive ailments (consult a healthcare professional before use)