September Plant of the Month

Candletree suggested by Nancy Weaver

My candletree plant is now over six feet tall in full bloom. It’s a beautiful, exotic looking plant. If you like yellow flowers as I do, try it. You will have fun showing it off to friends. It didn’t bloom the first year as it was late in the season when I found it. I plan to save the pods and grow it from seed.

Family: Caesalpiniaceae                                                       

Genus: Senna (SEN-nuh)                                 

Species: alata (a-LAY-tuh)

Category: Shrubs, Trees

Height: 6-8 ft. - Spacing: 6-8 ft.

Hardiness: Zone 8a: to 10 degrees F.

Sun Exposure: Full Sun

Danger: Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested.

Bloom Color: Bright yellow

Bloom Time: Mid Summer, Late Summer/Early Fall

Foliage: Usually deciduous in East Texas

Other details: This plant is attractive to bees and butterflies

Drought tolerant: suitable for xeriscaping

Self sows freely: Deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season.

Propagation Methods: By dividing the rootball, From semi-hardwood cuttings

From seed: sow indoors before last frost, From seed: direct sow after last frost.

Seed Collecting: Allow pods to dry on plant. Break open to collect seeds