Desert Cassia

Senna polyphylla, Fabaceae

Zones

8–11

Layer

Shrub

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Moderate

Guild Roles

Nitrogen FixerWindbreakPollinator AttractorBeneficial Insect Habitat

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)

Water

Low (established)Moderate (seedling)

Soil pH

6.5 – 8.5

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Heart-leaf Desert RoseMaerua subcordata

Pollinator SharingBeneficial Insect Habitat

Desert KurrajongBrachychiton gregorii

Shade ProvisionNurse PlantBeneficial Insect Habitat

Sonoran Palo BreaCercidium praecox

Pollinator SharingBeneficial Insect Habitat

Creeping Devil CactusStenocereus eruca

Nitrogen FixationNurse Plant

Desert Horse PurslaneTrianthema portulacastrum

Beneficial Insect HabitatPollinator SharingNutrient Accumulation

Desert OliveSalvadora oleoides

Pollinator SharingBeneficial Insect Habitat

Antagonistic Plants

Desert SennaSenna covesii

Closely related Senna species compete intensively and may exhibit allelopathic inhibition

Port Royal SennaSenna italica

Closely related senna species compete for resources and may exhibit allelopathic effects

Somalian CarobCeratonia oreothauma

Leguminous trees produce tannins and compete for nitrogen fixation resources

Uses

Functions

Nitrogen FixationWindbreakPollinator SupportOrnamental

Medicinal Uses

LaxativeDigestiveSkin Conditions

Common Questions

What zones does Desert Cassia grow in?

Desert Cassia grows in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 11.

Is Desert Cassia a nitrogen fixer?

Yes, Desert Cassia is a nitrogen fixer and can help provide nitrogen to neighboring plants in a guild or polyculture.

What are good companion plants for Desert Cassia?

Good companions for Desert Cassia include Heart-leaf Desert Rose, Desert Kurrajong, Sonoran Palo Brea, Creeping Devil Cactus, Desert Horse Purslane.

Design guilds with Desert Cassia and see companion relationships visually.

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