Common Name: wishing tree
Type: Broadleaf evergreen
Family: Fabaceae
Native Range: Southeastern Asia
Zone: 10 to 11
Height: 20.00 to 30.00 feet
Spread: 20.00 to 30.00 feet
Bloom Time: March to April
Bloom Description: Pink-purple
Sun: Full sun
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Flowering Tree
Flower: Showy, Fragrant
Leaf: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zone 9b where it is grown in average, medium moisture, well drained soils in full sun. Tolerates light shade. Established trees have some drought tolerance. Site in locations protected from drying winds. Intolerant of frost. Propagate from cuttings or seed.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Cassia bakeriana, commonly called pink shower tree, is a small flowering tree that typically matures to 20-30’ tall and as wide. It is native to forested areas of Thailand and Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). This tree is now grown primarily as an ornamental in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. It is noted for producing a showy display of fragrant pink-purple flowers with yellow stamens which bloom in early spring (March-April) in 4-10” long drooping racemes (20-40 flowers per raceme). In some climates, bloom may commence later in spring. Flowers are followed by large bean-like seed pods. Each pod (to 16” long) has 30-40 seeds. Large compound even-pinnate soft blue-green leaves (each to 10-16” long) have 5-7 pairs of small, round-tipped, oblong to oblong-lanceolate leaflets (each to 2-3" long). This tree is semi-evergreen because the leaves eventually drop in winter prior to the commencement of new growth in late winter to early spring.
Genus name comes from the Greek name for a genus of leguminous plants which provide the senna leaves and pods important in pharmacy.
Specific epithet is believed to honor John Gilbert Baker (1834-1920) an English botanist or George Percival Baker (1856-1951) an English horticulturist.
Problems
No serious insect or disease problems. Mildew and leaf spot may appear.
Uses
Ornamental flowering tree for sunny areas of the landscape. Small yards. Patios. Containers.