Cassia leptophylla
Gold Medallion Tree
Description
Gold Medallion Tree (Cassia leptophylla) is a small, evergreen tree that is native to subtropical areas of Brazil. It only reaches about 15-25' tall and 30’ wide, so it is a great choice for residential gardens. Unusually cold weather may cause leaves to drop, but it does recover quickly. It performs best in the summer heat. Maintenance on this tree can often be handled by a homeowner because the tree rarely gets too large to manage. Cross branching should be removed, and the canopy should be thinned out a little in the winter to allow sunlight to enter the interior. The yellow clusters of flowers on this tree are spectacular, and the extra sunlight in the interior should encourage a bigger bloom. The tree will benefit from some all-purpose fertilizer in the spring to encourage new foliage growth, deeper green leaves, and more blooms. This tree can thrive in most soils and under many irrigation conditions. It should be planted at least three feet away from any hardscape areas and 10 feet from structures such as houses and buildings. Shrubs and perennials should be planted about two feet away from this tree. It should be irrigated for about 45 minutes once a week when using most in-line drip irrigation systems.
Plant Type
Tree
Height Range
12-25', 25-40'
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Season
Summer
Leaf Color
Green
Bark Color
Brown, Red
Fruit Color
Brown
Fruit Season
Fall
Leaf Season
Evergreen, Semi-evergreen
Sun
Full
Water
Low, Medium
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam
Soil Condition
Average, Rich, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Adverse Factors
Messy, Poisonous
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish, Tropical
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Summer
Location Uses
Background, Lawn, Park, Street Tree, Walls / Fences
Special Uses
Screen, Shade Tree
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways.