Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula) is one of the world's most spectacular flowering ornamental trees, producing long, cascading clusters of brilliant golden-yellow blossoms that can nearly cover the entire canopy when in bloom. Native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, this tropical favorite is admired for its elegant appearance, rapid growth, and exceptional landscape value. During flowering season, the tree becomes a breathtaking display of vibrant color, making it an outstanding specimen for gardens, parks, streets, and tropical landscapes. Its ornamental seed pods and attractive foliage provide year-round interest long after the flowers have faded.
Botanical Information
- Botanical Name - Cassia fistula
- Common Name - Golden Shower Tree, Indian Laburnum, Golden Rain Tree
- Plant Family - Fabaceae
- Plant Type - Deciduous to Semi-Evergreen Flowering Tree
- Life Cycle - Perennial
- Native Range - India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia
- Mature Height - 30-50 Feet
- Mature Spread - 25-40 Feet
- Growth Rate - Moderate to Fast
- USDA Hardiness Zones - 10-11
- Sun Requirements - Full Sun
- Soil Preference - Well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils
- Soil pH - 6.0-7.8
- Water Requirements - Moderate
- Drought Tolerance - High once established
- Salt Tolerance - Moderate
- Deer Resistance - Moderate
- Wildlife Value - Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators
- Container Friendly - Suitable while young; transplant into the landscape as the tree matures
- Landscape Uses - Specimen tree, shade tree, parks, streetscapes, tropical gardens, flowering landscapes, large properties
- Germination Rate - 70-90%
- Pre-Treatment - Scarify seeds before sowing for best germination
Germination Instructions
Golden Shower Tree seeds have a hard outer seed coat that benefits greatly from scarification. Carefully nick or sand one side of the seed coat until the lighter inner layer is visible, then soak the seeds in warm water for 12-24 hours before planting.
Sow seeds approximately 1/2 inch deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix. Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not saturated while maintaining temperatures between 75-90°F. A humidity dome helps maintain ideal moisture levels during germination. Place seedlings in bright light after emergence and gradually acclimate them to full sun before transplanting outdoors.
Growing Information
Golden Shower Tree thrives in warm climates with abundant sunshine and excellent drainage. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and requires relatively little maintenance beyond occasional watering during extended dry periods. The tree develops a broad, rounded canopy that provides welcome shade while producing spectacular displays of bright yellow flowers each year.
This ornamental tree performs exceptionally well as a standalone specimen where its impressive blooms can be fully appreciated. It is equally attractive lining streets, driveways, and large gardens, or planted in parks and public landscapes. In frost-free climates, Golden Shower Tree becomes an outstanding long-lived landscape feature that attracts pollinators while adding striking seasonal color.
Seed Quantities Available
- 1 oz. - Approximately 156 Seeds
- 1/4 lb. - Approximately 624 Seeds
- 1 lb. - Approximately 2,496 Seeds