Pollinator

Pale Yellow Senna

Cassia bicapsularis 'Buttercream'

$23.00 Sold out
USDA Zones 8–10 Full Sun Matures 8–10 Feet

A soft, pale-yellow form of the showy senna, Cassia bicapsularis 'Buttercream' carries cool cream-yellow flowers through autumn, a quieter take on the late-season butterfly show.

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Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
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'Buttercream' is a pale yellow-flowered form of Cassia bicapsularis, a softer, more refined take on that shrub's late-season show. Where the species blazes a saturated gold, 'Buttercream' carries clusters of cool, buttery cream-yellow flowers through autumn and into early winter, the same butterfly-like blooms at the ends of fast, arching branches, and the same draw for Cloudless Sulphur and Sleepy Orange butterflies that feed and breed on the plant.

Woodlanders had not seen this pale form before it was shared by Joann Breland of Charleston, and it has proven a lovely, quieter companion to the bright species. In zones 9 and warmer 'Buttercream' grows as a large, fast evergreen; in zone 8 the plant dies back in hard winters and returns from the roots in spring. Site in full sun and give room, for a flush of soft color at the exact moment most gardens have run out.

Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 8–10
Sun
Full Sun
Soil
Well-drained
Mature size
Height 8–10 Feet · Spread 4–6 Feet
Growth rate
Fast
Seasonality
Dies back, depends on zone
Design Notes

Use 'Buttercream' where the species would feel too brash, a place for soft, cool yellow late in the year: the back of a sunny border, a courtyard, or a mixed planting screened by lower companions through summer and rising to bloom in autumn. The pale flowers blend more easily than the bright gold, reading beautifully against blue and purple late perennials and the warm tones of fall. Site in full sun with room to spread; in Zone 8 pair with late-emerging grasses or perennials that fill the gap while the plant rebuilds from the roots each spring.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Pale, buttery cream-yellow, fall to early winter

Flower. Soft, buttery cream-yellow, five-petaled, about an inch across, with curved stamens giving a butterfly-like silhouette, borne in loose clusters at the branch tips from mid autumn until frost, or through winter where it stays mild. A late nectar source for Cloudless Sulphur and Sleepy Orange butterflies, which also breed on the plant.

Foliage. Pinnately compound leaves of small oval leaflets, deep green and lush, on fast, upright, lightly branched stems that arch under the flower clusters.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light. Full sun for the heaviest bloom; tolerates light shade at the cost of flowers.

Soil. Well-drained and adaptable, from sandy to loam to clay.

Water. Regular while establishing; drought-tolerant once settled, but best with steady moisture.

Pruning. Cut back hard after bloom or in late winter to keep the fast growth dense; in Zone 8 the plant resets itself each year.

Hardiness. Evergreen in USDA Zones 9 and 10; root-hardy in Zone 8, freezing back and returning from the roots in spring.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.