Candlestick Cassia (Senna alata) - Butterfly Host Plant

Candlestick Cassia

Senna alata

Also known as: Candlestick Bush, Candelabra Bush

Zones: 9-11

Height: Up to 10 ft, can be grown in a container

Plant Spacing: 6-10 ft

Light Requirements: Full sun

Water Requirements: Average, drought tolerant once established

Soil Requirements: Grows well in a variety of soil types

Host Plant For: Sleepy Orange, Cloudless Sulphur, and Orange-barred Sulphur butterflies

Plant Candlestick Cassia in your garden and enjoy watching the entire butterfly life cycle!

Starter Plants are not large enough to feed larvae.

One 4" potted plant will feed 2-3 larvae.

Candlestick Cassia is a showy addition to any garden. The large green leaves will fold up at night, and it will typically bloom from spring to fall. Candlestick Cassia gets its name from the large upright yellow flowers that resemble candles. As a native to Central and South America, We recommended growing Candlestick Cassia in well-maintained garden beds or as a potted plant to avoid aggressive seeding.

Several butterflies use Candlestick Cassia as a host plant. The Sleepy Orange, Cloudless Sulphur, and Orange-barred Sulphur will all visit Cassia plants to lay eggs. Look for green or yellow butterfly larvae on flowers, leaves, and stems. The yellow flowers will attract butterflies to nectar. Plant a Candlestick Cassia this year and see what visitors it will bring to your garden!