The flowers are persistent, petals become papery, fade to a pale yellow, and remain on the plants intact for weeks.
Although the Paperflower does not form great masses of color, the blossom-covered clumps are conspicuous among the Cactus, Mesquite, and Creosotebush of the desert.
It is common at elevations below 5,000 feet from southern Utah to Lower California, with similar species ranging eastward through southern New Mexico and northern Chihuahua.
Some species are reported to be poisonous to sheep.
YELLOW
Cassia lindheimeriana
Cassia bauhinoides
Common names: DESERT-SENNA, RATTLEWEED Arizona desert: (Cassia bauhinoides). Yellow. May-August. California desert: (Cassia armata). Yellow. April-May. Texas desert: (Cassia lindheimeriana). Golden. June-September. Pea family. Size: Low, branching shrub up to 3 feet.
Members of this large genus are chiefly tropical, the majority having golden to bronze flowers and brown, woody seed pods. They are quite common along desert roadsides, and a few species are cultivated as ornamentals.
In some localities, following moist winters, Desert-senna bursts into a riot of color in April and May adding a golden glory to the spring floral display.