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Popcorn Cassia

Senna didymobotrya

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Popcorn Cassia

In stock

6-10’x6’

Sizes:

Popcorn Cassia – Senna didymobotrya

Also known as: African Senna, Peanut Butter Cassia, Buttered Popcorn Plant

Popcorn Cassia is a lush, tropical-looking shrub prized for its striking flower display and memorable scent. Native to tropical regions of central and eastern Africa, this leguminous plant has become a popular ornamental worldwide. It thrives in warm climates, growing rapidly into a multi-branched shrub reaching 6 to 10 feet tall and nearly as wide.

From spring through fall, Popcorn Cassia produces brilliant golden-yellow flowers that emerge from contrasting plump black buds. These flowers are held high above the foliage on upright foot-long spikes, creating a dramatic display reminiscent of buttered popcorn. The plant’s foliage is equally engaging: deep green, pinnate leaves release a strong scent of buttered popcorn when rubbed, lending the plant its common name.

Though native to tropical climates, Popcorn Cassia adapts well to desert gardens with some care. It grows best in full sun with rich, well-drained soil but benefits from light afternoon shade during the hottest part of the summer. Once established, it is moderately drought-tolerant but appreciates consistent water during dry spells. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact, bushier shape and encourage additional blooms.

Because it is a legume and nitrogen fixer, Senna didymobotrya has also been used in some regions as a green manure or cover crop. It is not favored by rabbits and is relatively pest-free, making it a hardy and low-maintenance choice for gardens looking to add bold color and unique fragrance.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Verified for generalist pollinators including bees and butterflies
Bird Resources: Insects
Bird Species: —
Bees: Native bees; Honey bees

Plant Care

Native region:

Desert Adapted

Water needs:

Moderate

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

Mature size:

6-10’x6’

Growth rate:

Fast

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Spring-Fall

Pruning:

Early fall to shape

Cold Hardiness:

40 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.