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Texas Gardening

Senna/Cassia tree seed pods

13 years ago

Those of you who grow this beautiful little tree probably have to pick many seed pods off each year. I have one that is about 10 feet tall, probably ten years old, and this is the first year since it reached maturity that it did not seed. I am wondering if anyone else has noticed this.

Featured Answer

javiwa

4 years ago

Update: the seed pods felt very dry and brittle, so I decided to open one up.

Wanting to check for viability, I removed a few of the black seeds from their very sticky, gummy green casings and used the wet paper towel method of seed germination (placed into baggie and kept on heat mat 16 hours/day) - March 1.

4-5 days later, the seeds didn't appear to be doing anything, so I scarified the hard seed coats AND clipped the ends where root growth would occur.

Just this morning, I'm seeing the beginnings of root sprouts -- success!

I also noticed the seed pods are starting to split, so that's a sign, of course, that the seeds inside are ready:

Roselee: these seeds will be on their way to you soon!

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Comments (8)

roselee z8b S.W. Texas
13 years ago
Carrie, my cassia (unknown variety) did not produce seed either, but this was it's first year in the ground. It seemed to have bloomed rather late and I think cold weather arrived before it had a chance to make seeds.

I bought this cassia to replace a beautiful variety, Golden Wonder Senna (Cassia Splendida) that I'd had for years, but it didn't survive the freezes last winter. It didn't always produce seeds. Some years it did, and some years it didn't.

I doubt if the new one is going to make it through this freeze so guess I'll have to go with one of the Texas native varieties. I like to keep one going for the sulfer butterflies to use as larva food.

Has anyone ever had sulfers use candle stick cassia to lay eggs on?

I'd probably take a chance on buying another Golden Wonder if I could find it again.
carrie751
Original Author
13 years ago
I am pretty sure mine is the Senna corymbosa, Roselee, and it has never been killed by the cold. I think you would like it.
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roselee z8b S.W. Texas
13 years ago
Thanks Carrie. I looked Senna corymbosa up on line and it sounds like a really good one to grow. I made a note of it. If anyone sees it for sale in San Antonio let me know!
javiwa
4 years ago
My C. splendida is covered in dangling seed pods -- I remarked yesterday how much they look just like string/green beans! I'm resurrecting this old thread, roselee, to see if you're still looking for this variety. If so, I can save some seeds for you, once they ripen. Just let me know!
roselee z8b S.W. Texas
4 years ago
Yes, I want some! Thank you ... :-)
javiwa
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
Alrighty!!! I'll keep an eye on them for ya.
javiwa
4 years ago
Checking in to say I haven't forgotten about you, roselee! Since we've really not had much of a winter, the cassia seeds have been very slow to mature and brown. I give the brownest ones a shake every so often, but still haven't detected that dry seed, clacking sound.

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