Apple Blossom Shower / Pink Shower

Cassia javanica L.

KA-see-a     Ja-VAN-i-ca

Caesalpiniaceae (Legumes)

Key to Cassia L

Explanation of name: Cassia is an ancient Greek name  (DEH).  Javanica means of Java (STE).

Natural range: S.E. Asia (ISE); Indonesia (BA2)

Recognition: Medium tree with somewhat spiney trunk.  Leaves pinnate with 5-15 pairs of ovate to elliptic oblong leaflets, 1"-3" long.  Flowers pink to reddish, fading white or various shades of orange-pink or yellow pink, 2"-3" in diameter. Fruit linear legume, 8"-24"long (ISE, HOR, BA2).

Landscape uses: Flowering tree, specimen tree, street tree (HOR)

Notes: Species is reputed to cross with Cassia fistula producing trees called Rainbow Shower (Cassia Xnealiae H.S. Irwin & Barneby) (ISE).