At this time of year everywhere we look there are yellow blossoms.
The Easter Cassia (Senna pendula var. glabrata), a native of tropical South America is pictured.
You can’t miss it because it is an almost ubiquitous roadside plant.
It is there because it is very invasive.
Although it is bright and pretty you will struggle to get it off your land if you allow it to take root. It will outcompete native species through its prolific fruit production and rapid growth.
The Easter Cassia leaf is easily identifiable.
It is compound with three to six pairs of leaflets which are opposite to each other.
When we see one, we immediately take it out because we know it will be trouble in only a few years.
Another yellow bloomer that has been spectacular this year is the Golden Penda (Xanthostemon chrysanthus), also pictured.
It is originally from coastal rainforest in north Queensland.
Even though it is not a native to these parts it does not appear to be as invasive as the Easter Cassia and it’s a Queenslander.
If you want yellow, then this is a lovely alternative.
Then of course there are the wattles, which not only bring their colour but also their lovely fragrance.
Do your local environment a favour, take out the Easter Cassia and substitute one of the many golden natives.
