Golden Shower
Cassia fistulafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. F0AC — Cassia fistula
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IOverview
Overview
Golden Shower, scientifically known as *Cassia fistula* and belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a large deciduous tree native to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of India, including Assam, Bangladesh, and the East and West Himalayas. This tree thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 9-11 and can grow up to 18 meters tall. Golden Shower is both edible and medicinal, with its flowers, fruit, inner bark, leaves, seeds, and shoots all being parts used for various purposes. The tree's most distinctive feature is the brilliant golden yellow flowers that form large, hanging clusters, making it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks. The tree also has practical uses, including its gum, which can be used as a sweetener, and its wood, which is suitable for making pioneer plantings, fencing, and lumber. However, it is important to note that Golden Shower has the potential to become a weed in some areas.
Quick answers
What is Golden Shower?
Golden Shower, scientifically known as *Cassia fistula* and belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a large deciduous tree native to Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of India, including Assam, Bangladesh, and the East and West Himalayas.
IV·bMixology suggestions
1 draft
Mixology suggestions
1 draftEditorial drafts. These pairings are AI-suggested from traditional herbal lore. Always verify with a qualified herbalist before brewing.
Golden Shower & Formosa Lily
skintincture
Traditional use for skin health and hydration.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Golden Shower thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 9-11, making it suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. This tree grows to a height of 18 meters and produces edible parts including flowers, fruit, inner bark, leaves, seeds, and shoots. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist while providing ample sunlight for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-11
Mature size
18.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Golden Shower for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, sunny spot and basic care for your Golden Shower tree.
- 1
What you'll need
A Golden Shower (Cassia fistula) seedling or sapling, potting mix, and a large container if planting in a pot.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in late winter or early spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with some sand for better drainage. Ensure containers have good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a seedling from a nursery or sow seeds directly into the ground after danger of frost has passed.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial shade for a few days to acclimate.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun once established, water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and fertilize lightly during growing season.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after flowering to maintain shape. Harvest flowers for decorations or leaves for composting.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, and neglecting to prune.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersFruitInner barkLeavesSeedShoots
Edible uses: Gum, Sweetener
Other uses:AlcoholFire starterDyeFencingAnimal feedGumPest controlPioneerTanninLumberCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
12 native · 57 introduced
Distribution
12 native · 57 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 12 native· 57 introduced
Asia20 regions
native (9)BangladeshCambodiaIndiaLaosMyanmarNepalSri LankaThailandVietnam
introduced (11)BangladeshChinaIndiaIraqMaldivesMyanmarNepalPakistanPhilippinesSri LankaYemen
Americas8 regions
introduced (8)ColombiaEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuyanaNicaraguaPeruVenezuela
Africa13 regions
introduced (13)AngolaCabo VerdeCameroonComorosEgyptEthiopiaGambiaKenyaMalawiSenegalTanzaniaUgandaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, West Himalaya
introduced:Andaman Is., Borneo, Caroline Is., East Himalaya, Gulf of Guinea Is., Jawa, Laccadive Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Marianas, Mexico Southwest, New Guinea, Northern Territory, Panamá, Queensland, Society Is., Southwest Caribbean, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Trinidad-Tobago, West Himalaya, Western Australia, Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
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Growing zone
Native to
XII
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