Family:
Fabaceae
Senna artemisioides
Silver Cassia
(syn. Cassia artemisioides)
Other Names: Cassia, Punty.
First Nations Name(s):
Name Origin:
Senna — from Arabic name.
artemisioides – from genus Artemisia and oides, like, referring to similarity.
Regional Subspecies:
Senna artemisiodes subsp. artemisoides, Senna artemisiodes subsp. coriacea, Senna artemisiodes subsp. filifolia, Senna artemisiodes subsp. petiolaris, Senna artemisiodes subsp. sturtii, Senna artemisiodes subsp. zygophylla
Similar Species:
Three varieties in region are: Silver Cassia — S. artemisioides var. artemisioides; Woody Cassia — S. artemisioides var. petiolaris; and S. artemisioides var. zygophylla.
Occurrence:
Regional:
Widespread mainly west of the Olympic Highway in drier areas and lighter soils.
Australia:
Qld, NSW, SA, WA, NT.
Habitat:
All three varieties are on inland plains. All except Silver Cassia also inhabit rocky slopes.
Habit:
Small bushy shrubs, 1-3 m high, with silver-grey leaves.
Site Preference:
Moderately well-drained soil, in full sun. Tolerates drought and frost, although heavy frost may damage tips.
Characteristics:
Fast-growing. Short-lived. Three varieties tend to hybridise.
Flowering:
Golden-yellow, winter and spring. Sweet scented.
Seed Collection:
Early Dec to mid Mar. Monitor closely as seeds shed immediately or 1-2 days after maturity.
Propagation:
From scarified seed. Try boiling or hot water soaking treatment, and dry seed before sowing to prevent rotting. Also from cuttings.
Regeneration:
Seeds readily. Establishes readily when direct seeded.
VALUES:
Shade & Shelter:
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks. Important component of understorey.
Land Protection:
Legume — improves soil fertility through ‘fixing’ nitrogen.
Wildlife:
Excellent habitat.
Ornamental:
Ornamental for gardens or as low hedge. Attractive foliage and abundant flowers. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape (becomes straggly with age) and promote flowering.