Silvery Senna
Senna artemisioides var. petiolaris
(Cassia phyllodinea)
Observed at Phoenix, Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA. 26 Feb. 2012.
RANGE: This native of Australia has been planted in desert gardens from
southern California to Arizona. Seeds readily germinate in adjoining native
habitats. Several varieties have been introduced and there could have been some
hybridization between varieties and species. The nomenclature has changed a lot
as botanists sort out the relationships.
SHRUB: Typically shrubs are about 1½ m
tall.
FLOWERS: Bright yellow with five sub-equal petals. In Sonoran Desert
xeriscapes blooming begins by mid January.
UNARMED: No thorns.
LEAVES: This variety has leaves with tough, flattened petioles without
latteral leaflets. Other varieties may have pinnately arranged leaflets.
FRUIT: Bean pods are compressed and thin, almost papery when mature.