Golden shower tree Cassia fistula
Golden shower tree (Cassia fistula) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It grows 8–12 m (26–39 ft) tall and 6–9 m (20–30 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 1 °C (34 °F). Space plants about 7 m (23 ft) apart.
Plan Golden shower tree in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Golden shower tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 8–12 m (26–39 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–9 m (20–30 ft) |
| Spacing | 7 m (23 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 1 °C (34 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇧🇷 Brazil |
Is Golden shower tree toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: pods, seeds, bark
Seeds and pod pulp contain anthraquinone laxatives that cause cramps and diarrhoea; pets may get stomach upset.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Golden shower tree
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Golden shower tree
- How far apart should I plant Golden shower tree?
- About 7 m (23 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–9 m (20–30 ft).
- Does Golden shower tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Golden shower tree need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Golden shower tree?
- It tolerates about 1 °C (34 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Golden shower tree flower?
- From about April for 6–11 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Golden shower tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people moderately toxic. Seeds and pod pulp contain anthraquinone laxatives that cause cramps and diarrhoea; pets may get stomach upset.
- What grows well with Golden shower tree?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
Notes and assumptions
- Sheds leaves briefly in the dry season, then bears pendulous gold flower chains (Thailand national flower); frost-tender.
- Pods up to 50 cm hang on the tree for months.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis