Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Senna artemisioides (Cassia artemisioides)
Silver Cassia
The Senna artemisioides, commonly known as the Silver Cassia and still widely specified as Cassia artemisioides, is a compact evergreen shrub of the Australian arid interior. Its silver-grey needle-like leaflets form a soft rounded mound, covered from late winter into spring with clear yellow cup-shaped flowers.
The combination of silver foliage, bright flower and genuine desert hardiness makes it one of the most useful mid-level shrubs in a dryland palette. It is used in medians, roundabouts, verges and mixed shrub mass planting.
Specifications
- Height1 to 2 metres
- Width1 to 2 metres
- Native toThe arid and semi-arid interior of Australia
- FoliageSilver-grey, narrow, almost needle-like leaflets held densely on fine stems; evergreen
- Growth rateFast
Conditions
- SoilRequires well-drained sandy or gravelly soils; tolerates poor and alkaline ground and dislikes wet feet
- LightFull sun
- WaterLow; strongly drought-tolerant once established and short-lived where kept wet
- ClimateThrives in arid and semi-arid regions with hot dry summers; tolerates light frost
Additional Features
- FlowersClear yellow cup-shaped flowers in profusion from late winter into spring, with scattered repeat flowering
- UsesMedian and roundabout mass planting, verges, mixed dryland shrub borders, low informal screening
- SpacingPlant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a continuous silver mass
- Low MaintenanceTip prune after flowering to hold density; avoid cutting into old bare wood
- Pest ResistanceLargely free of pests and diseases where drainage is good
- Drought ToleranceReliably drought-tolerant on minimal irrigation once rooted
- Seasonal AppealSilver-grey foliage holds colour through summer and contrasts strongly with green mass planting
- Wildlife AttractionFlowers are worked by bees through the main flowering flush
The Silver Cassia carries both colour and flower into a dryland shrub scheme at a scale that suits medians and verges.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 12 September 2026