Erythrostemon mexicanus
Formerly known as Caesalpinia mexicana and Poincianella mexicana.
There are many common names for this plant. They are Mexican bird-of-paradise, yellow bird-of-paradise, yellow bird, Mexican Holdback, Mexican poincianella, Mexican caesalpinia, or Mexican poinciana. All of this is confusing and demonstrates why use of scientific names to properly identify landscape plant material is important.
Public ASU
Flowers: J F M A M J J A S O N D
Status: Near-native
Origin: South Texas into northern Mexico
Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Size: 10′ – 20′ can be trained as a tree
Sun: Full
Watering: Regular during summer
Growth Rate: Medium to Fast
Soil: Tolerant
Temperature: Hardy to 25 F
Pruning: To elevate the canopy if a tree form is desired
Disease and Pests: White flies in summer
Uses: Nectar plant. Attracts Hummingbirds. Birds attracted to seeds.
Notes: Very brittle wood. When seed pods are dry the seeds launch with a popping sound. Fertilization in late winter will increase growth.
Resources
If you’re interested in purchasing engraved aluminum garden tags, you can now purchase them on Etsy!
Let us know if you’re interested in a tag that not yet listed and we’ll see about adding it. New entries have to provide a support role for pollinators or provide sufficient interest to warrant a dedicated web page.
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