Candle Bush (Senna alata)

Candle Bush – Tropical Shrub with Yellow Candle-Like Flowers

Senna alata (syn. Cassia alata), known as Candle Bush, Empress Candle Plant, Candlestick Cassia, or Ringworm Bush, is a fast-growing, evergreen shrub native to tropical Americas. It produces striking, upright, yellow flower spikes that resemble candles, blooming from late summer to fall. The large, pinnately compound leaves fold at night. It has a long history of medicinal use (antifungal). It thrives in full sun, moist, well-drained soil, and heat. It can be invasive in tropical regions.

Taxonomic Details