Caesalpinia gilliesii
Yellow Bird Of Paradise
Description
Yellow Bird of Paradise is an upright, fast-growing small tree or large shrub, 10' tall by 8' wide. Clusters of yellow flowers have long red stamens and appear in spring and early summer. After the flowering period, green pods appear, turning brown as they mature. As pods mature, they spit spewing seeds. Ripe seeds are poisonous. Foliage is evergreen, fern-looking, and light green changing to grayish when mature. It may be somewhat invasive but it is easy to control. This plant is drought tolerant but will appreciate extra summer water. Natural growth habit is irregular and open but can be pruned to encourage dense growth. It is quite hardy and can be frost tolerant. It does best in full sun with well-draining, sandy, or rocky soil.
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low, Extra in Summer
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Invasive, Poisonous
Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.