Cassia, also known as Christmas Senna / Butterfly Bush is an evergreen Indian shrub with compound leaves and vivid yellow cup shaped floWinter wers. The flowers cluster together like small buttercups. Its leaves are used as an herb and bark is used in tanning. 

Hardy outdoors in hot climates, otherwise grow as a container plant and protect when temperatures are going to freeze. 
 
It is a large shrub, growing up to 1-1.5 m high. It has a smooth cinnamon brown bark and closely pubescent branchlets. It has 8-11 cm long pinnate leaves and they are 8-12 pairs of leaflets, each 2-3 cm long. Bright yellow flowers appear in racemes at the end of branches. The flowers are 4-5 cm across. Fruit is a 7-12 cm long, flat brown pod.
 
Planting Season: Cassia is best planted in the spring and is a moderate to fast grower. It requires full sun to flower and produces the most colorful blossoms. It thrives best in organically rich, dry moist but well-drained soil. It can tolerate many soil types, including saline.
 
It grows best in areas where the mean annual temperature is in the range 60°F – 80°F / 16°C – 27°C. Water regularly, during the growing season. Always keep the soil moist, but not soggy. In winter, reduce watering. Allow the top 2- inch of soil to dry slightly to touch between watering but never allow the soils to totally dry out. Fertilize your plant once every two to three weeks, during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
 
The plant as a long tradition of use in local medicine, with the leaves, flowers, seeds, roots, and bark all being used. The flowers are dried and ground into a very fine powder. This powder can be mixed with face wash powders and curd for external application. It has been used by thousands of Indian women over the years to treat uneven skin, prevent black spots and keep the skin free of blemishes. Flowers increase the glow of the skin and improves complexion when used on a regular basis. Also, they help to regulate blood sugar levels by boosting the insulin levels in the body naturally. When taken on an empty stomach it is very beneficial for diabetics.
 
Cultivation: Prepare fertile, well-drained soil. Transfer the plant in late spring/early summer (soil temp at least 60°F) in a warm and sunny location. The plant is being grown in the greenhouse for approximately 6 – 8 weeks. Keep soil moist. Fertilize as needed. Train to climb a vertical support for better air circulation and ease of harvest. Low soil temperatures may result in low or no germination.

Please note: Maturity, adaptability and disease tolerance may differ under your specific climate and/or growing conditions.

Culinary tips: The Cassia flowers are used for preparing herbal tea. The antioxidant-rich concoction is very tasty and a perfect substitute for caffeinated beverages like tea and coffee. The antioxidants keep the skin and body healthy and act like a natural blood purifier.