Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula): The Indian Laburnum with Cascading Yellow Flowers

The Golden Shower Tree, Cassia fistula, is a medium-sized, deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is famous for its spectacular, pendulous racemes of bright yellow flowers that cover the leafless tree in late spring.

Floral Spectacle

This tree grows 30–40 feet tall with a spreading crown. The leaves are pinnately compound, dropping in the dry season. In spring, before the new leaves emerge, it produces 12–24 inch long, drooping clusters of five-petaled, fragrant yellow flowers. The display is breathtaking. The fruit is a long, cylindrical, dark brown pod (up to 2 feet) that persists on the tree.

Cultural and Medicinal Significance

It is the national tree of Thailand and the state flower of Kerala, India. The pulp of the fruit is used in traditional medicine as a laxative (hence "Purging Cassia"). The wood is hard and durable. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, full sun, well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established.