Cassia

Fast growing perennial with rounded, shrub appearance. Leaves are gracefully arranged along branches in a drooping, almost feathery fashion reminiscent of a locust. 1" jazzy yellow flowers bloom along center stalk in late summer giving way to 4" black, pea-like seed pods in fall. Grows in moist open areas along streams. Tolerates heat and humidity. Host plant for silver spotted skipper butterfly (Epargyreus clarus), cloudless sulphur (Phoebus sennae), little sulphur (Eurema lisa) and sleepy orange (E. nicippe) butterflies. Attracts hummingbirds and bees. No serious disease or insect problems. Powdered leaves can be used as a laxative like its tropical cousins.