Golden Cassia
Chamaecrista fasciculata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Chamaecrista fasciculata (Golden Cassia) is a native North American forb that blooms yellow flowers from July through September. This drought-tolerant wildflower attracts bees and butterflies across much of the eastern and central United States.
Golden Cassia is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Golden cassia is a cheerful annual wildflower that produces bright yellow cup-shaped blooms from summer through early fall. This compact native plant has delicate, feathery foliage and requires minimal water once established, making it excellent for sunny, dry areas.
Growing Golden Cassia
Grow Golden Cassia in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Golden Cassia takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Annual nature requires replanting yearly
- Can appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences
- May self-seed in unwanted areas
Wildlife value
Host plant for sleepy orange butterfly, cloudless sulphur butterfly.
The flowers attract native bees and butterflies throughout the growing season. As a member of the legume family, it also helps improve soil by fixing nitrogen.
Common questions
- When does Chamaecrista fasciculata bloom?
- Golden Cassia blooms from July through September, producing bright yellow flowers that attract pollinators during late summer.
- What pollinators visit Golden Cassia?
- Chamaecrista fasciculata attracts bees and butterflies with its yellow flowers. The plant serves as an important nectar source during its summer bloom period.
- Where is Chamaecrista fasciculata native?
- Golden Cassia is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to New Mexico, including most states in between.
- What growing conditions does Golden Cassia prefer?
- Chamaecrista fasciculata thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it an excellent choice for drought-tolerant gardens and natural landscapes.
- Is Golden Cassia toxic to livestock?
- Golden Cassia is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- Is Golden Cassia HOA-friendly?
- Golden Cassia takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Golden Cassia? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz