Fragrant Senna
(Senna odorata)
Fragrant Senna (Senna odorata)
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Hectonichus
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Hectonichus
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Hectonichus | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en | Uploader: Hectonichus | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons |

























Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Honolulu, Hawaii
This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
• Precipitation | 15" - 121" | 41" | Aquatic | Aquatic |
• High Temp. | 74°F - 103°F | 86°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
• Low Temp. | 15°F - 73°F | 63°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant should grow very well at your location without additional irrigation.
Summary
Senna odorata, commonly known as fragrant senna, spreading cassia, sweet-scented cassia, or southern cassia, is a perennial shrub native to forest edges in eastern Australia. It thrives in open woodlands and forest edges, often in areas with seasonal dry periods. This species typically reaches a height of 1.5–2.4 m (4 ft 11 in – 7 ft 10 in) and can sometimes grow into a small tree form. The plant has an upright and sprawling habit with compound leaves that are bright green and glossy. Its bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers are arranged in small clusters or panicles and emit a light fragrance, which is most notable in the late winter to spring when it blooms.
Fragrant senna is valued for its ornamental flowers and pleasant scent, making it a popular choice for tropical and subtropical gardens. It can be used as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as an informal hedge. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. While it is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering promotes optimal growth and flowering. It is important to note that Senna odorata can be potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Fragrant senna is valued for its ornamental flowers and pleasant scent, making it a popular choice for tropical and subtropical gardens. It can be used as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as an informal hedge. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil. While it is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering promotes optimal growth and flowering. It is important to note that Senna odorata can be potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 5-7 feet
- Width: 5-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, Low
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
native to forest edges in eastern Australia, thriving in open woodlands and forest edges
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Senna odorata, Cassia odorata, Senna barronfieldii, Cassia schultesii, Cassia australis var. revoluta, Cassia riedelii, Cassia fieldii, Cassia revoluta, Cassia umbellata
GBIF Accepted Name: Senna barronfieldii (Colla) Hewson