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.