Senna obtusifolia

Easy to distinguish from its close relative, Chamaecrista fasiculata (Cassia fasciculata), by its larger size and coarser texture. It is also a fall bloomer, while Cassia fasiculata blooms in the spring and summer.

Fresh seeds do not germinate well (Karve 1962). Germination is improved when kept in dry storage for several months. Highest germination was obtained from mechanical scarification by beating gently with a glass rod to rupture the seed coat (Chavan and Trivedi 1962).

Found in disturbed sites throughout Louisiana and east Texas. Cassia obtusifolia is commercially important as the alternate host of the tobacco etch virus disease. The seeds are known to contain antibiotic substances. The seeds, reported fatal to quail, were not found to be toxic to poultry (Correll and Johnston 1979).

Moist woods, sandy soils, disturbed ground.