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Cassia leptophylla (Gold Medallion Tree) - A broad semi-evergreen tree to 20 to 25 feet tall that has reddish-brown bark with low branches that are somewhat pendulous towards the tips with 1-foot-long compound leaves of 9 to 20 pairs of opposite 1-2 inch long linear leaflets that are deep glossy green on their upper surface and dull green below. In early to mid-summer appear the terminal clusters of 2- to 3-inch-wide deep yellow flowers, with scattered blooming later. The flowers are followed by 1- to 2-foot-long bean-like pods that are square in cross section. Plant in full sun in a fairly well-drained soil and give occasional to little irrigation. Hardy to about 25 degrees F and tolerant to short duration freezes a bit lower. This is the most common of the Cassias in southern California. It can be a little fussy in heavy soils that are over irrigated but in general it has been a very reliable tree in Southern California landscapes.
Cassia leptophylla comes from southeastern Brazil. Though many of the plants previously known as Cassia are now in the genus Senna, this species is still in the genus Cassia - for a list of those plants now longer in the genus Cassia that that we have grown, see our listing of Senna. The name Cassia is from the ancient Greek 'Kassia', a name for the biblical kassian plants that provided senna leaves and pods for medicinal use. The specific epithet is from the Greek words 'leptos' meaning "thin", "slender", "delicate" or "narrow" and 'phyllon' meaning "leaf" in reference to the narrow leaflets of this species.
We have grown this outstanding tree since 1980. It was first planted in the Los Angeles County Arboretum in 1958 and has become increasingly popular over time. There is a beautiful specimen that blooms in late July through August along San Marcos Road as one approaches our nursey.
This description of Cassia leptophylla is based on our research and our observations of this plant growing in the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We would appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written.
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Cassia leptophylla - Gold Medallion Tree
