Caesalpinia Species, Desert Bird of Paradise, Yellow Bird of Paradise
Caesalpiniagilliesii

Family: Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Caesalpinia (ses-al-PIN-ee-uh)
Species: gilliesii (gil-EEZ-ee-eye)

Synonym:Caesalpinia macrantha

Synonym:Erythrostemon gilliesii

Synonym:Poinciana gilliesii

Category
Shrubs
Tropicals and Tender Perennials

Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure
Full Sun

Foliage
This plant is resistant to deer

Foliage Color
Chartreuse/Yellow

Height
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)

Spacing
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
Seed is poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Red
Bright Yellow

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Blooms repeatedly

Other details

Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; direct sow after last frost

Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored