Q: I have three of these in my yard, plus three that came up recently in disturbed ground. What is it?
A:Β Your plants are called Senna phyllodinea, or desert Senna or silver leaf cassia. It is native to Australia and does well here. It can propagate by seed. The slender silver leaves are a good desert adaptation for reflecting the sun and reducing exposure to it. They can grow into a large shrub of 6 feet by 6 feet if allowed. The fragrant yellow flowers in February are a welcome sight for many.
Peter L. Warren is the Forest Health Program Coordinator for the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. Questions, photos and videos may be emailed toΒ tucsongardensage@gmail.com
