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

Unknown

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

Unknown

Bloom Time

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

Other details

Unknown

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