Alphabetical Plant Listing

Caesalpinia mexicana (Mexican Bird of Paradise)

Mexican Bird of Paradise, Mexican Caesalpinia, Mexican Poinciana, Tabachín del Monte


Caesalpinia mexicana (Mexican Bird of Paradise) is a thornless shrub or small tree boasting flamboyant clusters of bright yellow flowers from summer to fall. Borne in attractive racemes, 3-6 in. long (7-15 cm), the blossoms develop off and on during the warm months, and attract hummingbirds. They give way to large, slightly curled seedpods, 2.5 in. long (6 cm). The fine textured foliage of compound bipinnate leaves is evergreen in frost-free climates. Highly ornamental with its outstanding flower display and ferny foliage, Mexican Bird of Paradise thrives in heat and is a fine choice for xeriscaping. Moderately fast-growing, it makes a wonderful large accent shrub or an extremely handsome small tree.

  • Grows up to 10-12 ft. tall and wide (300-360 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun in well-drained soils. Does best with occasional watering. Established plants have good drought tolerance. 
  • A charming addition to beds and borders, Mediterranean gardens.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings.
  • Pods and seeds are reported to be poisonous. Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats.
  • Native to Mexico.

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Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Climate Zones 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Caesalpinia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 10' – 12' (3m – 3.6m)
Spread 10' – 12' (3m – 3.6m)
Spacing 120" – 144" (300cm – 360cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden

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Shutterstock, Tracie Hall, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 9 – 11
Climate Zones 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Caesalpinia
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Height 10' – 12' (3m – 3.6m)
Spread 10' – 12' (3m – 3.6m)
Spacing 120" – 144" (300cm – 360cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden

Guides with Caesalpinia

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