Caesalpinia mexicana
Mexican Bird Of Paradise
Description
This large shrub, 15' tall and wide, has fragrant lemon yellow flowers in 3"-6" long racemes. In colder areas, it is an herbaceous perennial, often to only 3'-6' tall. It has fern, lush green foliage and spectacular flowers. It will tolerate heat more than other species. It grows moderately fast and needs well drained soil. Seeds are distributed by pods splitting but seedlings are easily controlled. Pods and seeds may be poisonous. In the low desert, it is evergreen and can bloom all year round.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
12-25'
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Leaf Color
Green, Dark Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Attracts Bees
Design Styles
Japanese, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish, Tropical
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Parking Strip, Patio, Park, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Mass Planting, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems. Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.