Cassia leptophylla aka Gold Medallion Tree

Cassia leptophylla is also called the gold medallion tree. It belongs to Fabaceae, the pea family. It comes from southern Brazil and grows in upland forests. These include Araucaria forest. It also grows in forests that shed some seasonal leaves. It often grows in open parts of regrowing forest. Gardeners plant it for shade and yellow summer blooms.

In gardens, it grows about 20–30 feet [6.1–9.1 metres] tall. Useful Tropical Plants gives a taller range, reaching 33 feet [10 metres]. Its spread can reach about 20 feet [6.1 metres]. Some reports describe an open crown. Others describe a dense, round crown. Its branches spread and droop a little. The short trunk often bends and has thick, peeling bark. Sources call its leaves evergreen or semi-evergreen. This means it keeps all or some of its leaves. Each pinnate leaf has nine to fourteen pairs of narrow leaflets. These pairs grow along a central stalk. Leaves reach 1–1.5 feet [0.3–0.46 metres] long. Each leaflet reaches about 0.21 feet [0.064 metres] long.

The yellow blooms appear from June through August. They have a scent and make a strong summer show. Butterflies visit the tree. Insects pollinate the blooms. Large seed pods, shaped like beans, follow the flowers. These fruits add interest to the crown, too. The tree suits lawns, streets, and sites needing a small shade tree. People grow it beyond Brazil in tropical and subtropical regions. Missouri Botanical Garden notes that it grows well in California, too.

Give this tree full sun and soil that drains well. It accepts light shade and average soil kept at moderate moisture. Once settled in, trees can cope with dry spells. A site sheltered from drying winds helps meet its needs. Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 10–12. It also notes survival in zone 9b. Frost can harm the tree. Yet it may cope with brief, light frost. Its stated lower temperature is about 25°F. Serious pests and diseases seldom cause trouble. Mildew and leaf spot can still occur.

Reports put growth at a moderate to fairly fast rate. Young trees may reach 8.2 feet [2.5 metres] within two years from seed. Growers raise new plants from seeds. The hard seed coat may need scarification to help seeds sprout. This means making cuts or scratches in the coat. The tree can help start new woodland on sunny sites. People use its hard wood for toys, boxes, and plywood. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known food or medicinal uses. It also lists no known hazards. This does not mean the plant is safe to eat.