Winter cassia
Senna singueana
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Pl. 2DF6 — Senna singueana
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IOverview
Overview
Winter cassia, scientifically known as Senna singueana, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to several African countries including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, and others. This plant thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 5 meters tall. Winter cassia is both edible and ornamental; its leaves and seedpods are used for culinary purposes. One distinctive feature of this plant is its ability to adapt to various soil types, making it a versatile addition to gardens across its native range.
Quick answers
What is Winter cassia?
Winter cassia, scientifically known as Senna singueana, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to several African countries including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, and others. This plant thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Winter cassia thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 5 meters tall. Propagate through seeds. The edible parts include leaves and seedpods.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
5.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Winter cassia for the first time
8steps
Start with Winter cassia to gain experience in plant care, focusing on basic gardening techniques.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or young plants, a pot or garden bed, good quality soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the garden after danger of frost is past, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before planting out.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist. Place in a sunny spot and protect from strong winds.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Fertilize sparingly with compost or organic matter.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to maintain shape and remove dead or damaged branches. Harvest leaves for culinary use as needed.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, neglecting to prune regularly.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:LeavesSeedpod
Edible uses: Coffee
Other uses:Fire starterDyeFiberAnimal feedFruit ripeningLumberHairSoil conditionerTanninNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
27 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
27 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 27 native
Africa25 regions
native (25)AngolaBeninBurkina FasoBurundiCameroonChadComorosCôte d'IvoireEritreaEthiopiaGhanaKenyaMalawiMaliMozambiqueNamibiaNigerNigeriaRwandaSenegalSudanTanzaniaUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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