Senna alata aka Candlesticks

Senna alata is a shrub or small tree in the bean family. Its native range runs from southwest Mexico through tropical America. Gardeners call it candle bush, Christmas candle, or ringworm bush. The older name, Cassia alata, refers to the same plant. It grows in open, disturbed places, including roadsides and river banks. Sources describe it as evergreen or deciduous.

In warm gardens, it reaches 10–15 feet [3–4.6 metres] tall and wide. Some plants stay near 6.6 feet [2 metres]. Reports from native habitats reach 30 feet [9.1 metres]. As an annual, it can reach 6–8 feet [1.8–2.4 metres]. Growth is fast, but the plant can be short-lived. Horizontal branches form an open crown, often above several trunks. New shoots are green, and branches can break. The pinnate leaves have paired leaflets and no end leaflet. Large leaves can reach 2.5 feet [0.76 metres] long. Their oblong leaflets have smooth edges and fold at night.

Bright yellow flowers rise in upright clusters beside the leaves. Closed buds give each cluster the shape of a candle. The five-petalled flowers open from the base toward the tip. Fall is the main flowering season in the cited garden accounts. Plants can bloom during their first year from seed. Bees pollinate the flowers. Dry, winged pods follow, reaching 0.5–1 foot [0.15–0.3 metres] long. Sources describe ripe pods as brown or black.

Give this plant full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It grows in sand, loam, and clay. It accepts acid to slightly alkaline soils and some drought. Frost can cause severe damage; its listed USDA zones are 10–11. Gardeners use it in borders, as a specimen, or in containers. In cold climates, they grow it as an annual. Spring pruning helps flower display and branch strength. Pinching young shoots makes the crown fuller. Seeds and cuttings provide new plants. Escaped plants can become weeds, so control their spread.

Few serious diseases affect this plant. Caterpillars may eat leaves and flower buds; leaf miners also occur. Indoor plants may attract aphids and whiteflies. Traditional medicine uses the leaves for skin complaints and laxative effects. Bark supplies tannins, and the plant has insecticidal uses. Sources report cooked young leaves and pods as food in small amounts. Yet they also warn of poisoning after ingestion. Goats are at risk, and bark serves as fish poison. These food reports do not establish that casual consumption is safe.