Bird of Paradise Bush, Desert Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii)

Bird of Paradise Bush, Desert Bird of Paradise
Scientific Name: Caesalpinia gilliesii (Wall. ex Hook.) Benth.
Synonym: Poinciana gilliesii, Erythrostemon gilliesii, Caesalpinia macrantha
Family: Fabaceae

Show Larger Picture Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 8-16,18-23
USDA: 8-11

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 5°F (-15°C), might lose leaves in colder part of its range
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: Argentina, Uruguay, naturalized in Texas, southern USA
Growth Habits: Evergreen or deciduous bush, 5 to 10 feet tall (1.5-3 m) 4 to 6 feet wide (1.2-1.8 m); green spineless stems; bipinnate leaves, 3 to 5 inches long (7.5-12.5 cm), 6 to 12 pairs of pinnae with 5 to 10 pairs of leaflets
Watering Needs: Infrequent deep watering, little water, good drainage
Propagation: Seed, with slight scarification

Bird of Paradise Bushes are fairly common in Phoenix. The seeds and the green seed pods are toxic, provoking severe vomiting and other abdominal symptoms.

Cultural Practices:
Plant in spring 5 feet apart. Trim anytime for compactness.

Blooming Habits:
Tropical looking yellow flowers with 10 long conspicuous red stamen, in spring and summer.

References:
Botanica : The Illustrated A-Z of over 10,000 Garden Plants

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