Cassias recommended?

[gsytch]

I am looking for, perhaps, Cassia for my yard. I am zone 9b even after this winter. The spot is good sun. I do not want the common one (I have that whatever its name has changed to) but a small tree-like that will not freeze. I've done my research but am not sure. Anyone have experience? My usual lows are 30F a few nights here or there, this past winter I hit 27F three times (unusual). Coastal Tampa Bay. Or, any suggestions for a small, perhaps 15' tree (max) to look for? The yellow Tabbies froze here this year, and I use to have a beautiful Pink, much hardier than the yellow, but also fragile. It was 25' tall when it fell in a storm. Greg (New Port Richey FL)West Pasco county

[mangolorry]

Check out Cassia didymobotrya. With your winter lows it may look a little tatty at the end of winter but a spring prune and they power away. Fast grower, prolific flowerer (first year from seed) and foliage that has an "interesting" scent when brushed against.

[epicure3]

The best tree Cassia for our area is C. Leptophylla. Don't know how hardy it is to freezes but does well with prolonged cool weather.

[Eric in Orlando]

I agree, C. leptophylla, Gold Medallion Tree, is probably your best choice. It is native to southern Brazil and is cold hardy to at least 26-27F and probably to 25. It only grows 15-20ft, and isn't messy or invasive. It flowers late spring into summer and is drought tolerant once established.

Here is a specimen at EPCOT;

and one here at Leu Gardens, it is late flowering this year, none so far

[fastfeat]

I concur with C. leptophylla for Central Florida. It doesn't perform as well far south (Broward/Dade Cos)-- maybe due to alkalinity or too warm night temps-- but it is hard to beat farther north.