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.