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Golden Cassia

Cassia fasciculata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Golden Cassia (Cassia fasciculata)
Photo: Mary Vaux Walcott / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Golden Cassia (Cassia fasciculata) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

24"–48" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsCross TimbersEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Golden cassia produces clusters of bright yellow, five-petaled flowers from July through September. This upright plant grows 2-4 feet tall with delicate, compound leaves and thrives in sunny locations with minimal water once established. It naturally reseeds and can form small colonies over time.

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.

  • Can appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping standards
  • Self-seeds readily which may concern neat-focused HOAs
  • Dies back completely in winter leaving bare ground

Wildlife value

Host plant for cloudless sulphur, silver-spotted skipper.

The bright yellow flowers are particularly attractive to native bees and butterflies during the late summer blooming period. This plant serves as a host for several butterfly species and provides important nectar when many other flowers are fading.

Common questions

How much sun does Golden Cassia need?
Golden Cassia grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Golden Cassia bloom?
Golden Cassia blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Golden Cassia native?
Golden Cassia (Cassia fasciculata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 33 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Golden Cassia host?
Golden Cassia is a larval host plant for cloudless sulphur and silver-spotted skipper.
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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.

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