Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Shrubs

Baja California Senna, Cassia purpusii

Baja California Senna, Cassia purpusii Taken March 11, 2008. At Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix.

Baja California Senna Cassia purpusii	Baja California Senna Cassia purpusii

Baja California Senna Cassia purpusii, Family ( Fabaceae ) , Baja California Senna. Also Called: Senna, Senna purpusii. This senna from Baja, Mexico blooms almost year-round; especially during the winter months. Its has rich yellow flowers which develop into deflated seed pods. Cassia nemophila is a small evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub, which is pretty, even when not in bloom: Its green stems age into a rich manzanita - like, red/brown color, which nicely set off its small, round, stiff, blue - green leaves which are slightly outlined in purple. Cassia purpusii is drought tolerant, although it does like to take additional water in a well-drained soil. It has yellow flowers in the spring and fall. Cassias attract a variety of butterflies. Height: Up to 3 - 4 feet tall. Same Spread. Flowers: Bright yellow 3/4 inch buttercup shaped, yellow; 5 - 8 in a cluster, blooming often into summer. Blooming Time: January - April. Stems/Trunks : About 2 - 3 inches in diameter. The branches and most of the main trunk are blue-green becoming manzanita-like red/brown. Leaves: Leaves are leaves are small, round, stiff, blue-green, outlined in purple. Seed Pod: 1 1/2-3 1/4" long; narrowly oblong, flat, thin pods; short-pointed at ends, yellowish-brown; maturing and falling in summer; 2-8 beanlike seeds. Seeds are dark red - brown. Seeds: Smooth hard seeds are only slightly flattened with 2 to 7 found in each pod. Elevation: 0 - 4000 Feet. Habitat: Needs water so it is common to washes and is uncommon on rocky hillsides, mesas, and plains. From Baja, Mexico. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken March 11, 2008. At Desert Botanical Garden Phoenix. A good Xerioscape plant.