Desert Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii): Yellow Flowers with Red Stamens

Desert bird of paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii), also called yellow bird of paradise, is an open, airy shrub or small tree with finely divided, fern-like foliage and exotic yellow flowers with long, protruding red stamens. The blooms appear in spring and summer, attracting hummingbirds.

Characteristics

This deciduous plant grows 6–10 feet tall and wide, with a graceful, vase-shaped habit. The bipinnately compound leaves give a delicate texture. It is native to South America but naturalized in parts of the southwestern U.S.

Culture

Full sun, well-drained soil. Extremely drought- and heat-tolerant once established. Prune in late winter to shape. Hardy in zones 8–11; may die back in zone 8 but returns from roots.

Taxonomy

• Family: Caesalpiniaceae (Fabaceae)
• Genus: Caesalpinia
• Species: gilliesii
• Synonyms: Poinciana gilliesii, Erythrostemon gilliesii, Caesalpinia macrantha