Caesalpinia Species, Mexican Bird of Paradise, Mexican Holdback
Caesalpiniamexicana

Family: Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)
Genus: Caesalpinia (ses-al-PIN-ee-uh)
Species: mexicana (meks-sih-KAY-nuh)

Synonym:Poinciana mexicana

Synonym:Poincianella mexicana

Category
Shrubs
Tropicals and Tender Perennials

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Evergreen

Foliage Color

Height
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)

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

Hardiness
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
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Bright Yellow

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

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Blooms all year

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 after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Seed Collecting
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds