How to identify Golden wonder tree (Senna spectabilis)

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How to identify Golden wonder tree (Senna spectabilis)

Golden wonder tree, also known as Popcorn tree, Archibald's cassia, Cassia excelsa, Crown of gold tree

Golden wonder tree is a medium to large-sized tree, achieving heights of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) in cultivation, while capable of reaching 60 feet (18 meters) in its natural habitat. It features a dense, rounded crown and fine-textured appearance. The pinnate leaves are bright green, spanning 7-18 inches (18-46 cm) long, with each leaflet measuring 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm). These leaflets are slightly fuzzy underneath. The tree produces spikes of vivid yellow flowers, each flower around 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, during late summer and early fall. After flowering, dark cylindrical seed pods follow. Golden wonder tree has a preference for full sun and well-drained soil, withstanding temperatures down to approximately 26°F (-3°C).

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Golden wonder tree

Dense, rounded crown and fine-textured appearance.

Bright green pinnate leaves with slightly fuzzy undersides.

Spikes of vivid yellow flowers, each around 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.

Dark cylindrical seed pods follow flowering.

Prefers full sun and well-drained soil, tolerates temperatures down to 26°F (-3°C).

Golden wonder tree and Their Similar Plants

Sicklepod vs. Golden wonder tree: What's The Difference?

The sicklepod (Senna obtusifolia) grows best in full sun and moist soil. It thrives in rocky dirt and nutrient-rich soil. For an annual plant, it's slow to develop and grows best late in its growing season.

Coffee senna vs. Golden wonder tree: What's The Difference?

Coffee senna (*Senna occidentalis*) is a perennial shrub that prefers warm and humid environments. It is sometimes considered an invasive weed that grows in open woodlands, waste areas, and roadsides. It blooms in spring with yellow flowers, followed by brown fruit in late summer and early fall. Seeds can be used as a coffee substitute, although it does not contain caffeine.

Christmas bush vs. Golden wonder tree: What's The Difference?

Formerly known as Senna bicapsularis, but more commonly called the christmas bush, this attractive evergreen shrub can grow quite large. It features sunny yellow blooms that appear late in the fall and last through the frost.

Wild senna vs. Golden wonder tree: What's The Difference?

A versatile member of the legume species, wild senna features clusters of yellow-orange flowers, seed pods, and foliage that changes color in the fall. It once grew wild throughout the Northeastern United States but is now in a protected status. The seed pods are an important food source for the white bob bird, and bees find its pollen particularly attractive.

Maryland senna vs. Golden wonder tree: What's The Difference?

The foliage of maryland senna(Senna marilandica) gives off a malodorous scent when it's ground up. Because of the unpleasant taste, this species is usually ignored by deer.

Silver Senna vs. Golden wonder tree: What's The Difference?

An Australian native, silver Senna is not only beautiful but so tough that it can grow as an understory plant to Eucalyptus and gum trees, which alter soil pH so much that almost nothing else can grow near them. This tree has some other unusual characteristics: it grows larger in dry shade than in full sun, and it yellows if given too much water instead of not enough.

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Key Facts About Golden wonder tree

Attributes of Golden wonder tree

Lifespan

Perennial

Spread

4.5 m to 6 m

Leaf Color

Green

Blue

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Golden wonder tree

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Legumes, milkworts and allies

Family

Legume

Genus

Sennas

Species

Golden wonder tree (Senna spectabilis)

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Distribution Map of Golden wonder tree

Golden wonder tree is cultivated and naturally spreads across South and Central America, with native ranges extending through tropical regions of the Americas. This species has been introduced to parts of Africa, Asia, and the Pacific islands. Its presence has become notable in some major regions outside its native range, where golden wonder tree may have an impact on local ecosystems, though it is sometimes thought to be invasive in certain areas. The cultivation of golden wonder tree broadly influences its distribution, particularly in tropical climates.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Golden wonder tree

A Comprehensive Guide to Golden wonder tree How to Grow and Care for Golden wonder tree