Indicator value
Desert cassia is generally considered undesirable and is a useful indicator plant. When it is present in large numbers, it indicates poor pasture condition.
Forage value
Desert cassia does not appear to be palatable, although the seed pods are eaten.
Habitat
Alkaline soils.
General description
Desert cassia is a green or blue-green shrub, 1–3m tall. Leaves are 2–5cm long, very variable, with 2–8 pairs of leaflets. Flowers are yellow and buttercup-like and are borne in the leaf axils. Flowers consist of 5 petals, 5–6mm long, occurring in winter/spring. Pods are 35–45mm long, 10–12mm broad, hairless, flat, oblong, straight or slightly curved.
This variety is very variable and is often confused with other Senna plants.