Mexican Bird of Paradise

Botanical Name: Caesalpinia mexicana
Common Name: Mexican Bird of Paradise
Mexican Bird of Paradise is native to Northern Mexico. Its lush, ferny compound leaves provide a dark green backdrop for the bright yellow flower spikes that appear on the branch tips during the warm season. These flowers are followed by woody pods, which "explode" as they mature, adding a little bit of natural music the outdoor environment. This plant grows fairly rapidly 10-15 feet tall and spreads to 15 feet wide. The Mexican bird of paradise can be grown as a small tree or pruned to keep it a shrub.

Plant Mexican bird of paradise in the fall in full sunlight exposures for best establishment. This large shrub is evergreen in mild climates, but where frost occurs, it will shed foliage. Although extremely tolerant of sun and reflected heat, it requires good drainage to thrive. Established Mexican bird of paradise plants require little water. Mature plants may reach a height of 15 feet tall. Regular pruning will help control size.

Native to: Mexico
Hardiness: 15°F
Sun: full sun
Water: moderate
Growth Rate: moderate-fast
Mature Form: upright, open
Evergreen or Deciduous? evergreen
Foliage Color: dark green
Foliage Texture: fine
Mature Size: 10' height X 8' width
Flower Color: Yellow spikes
Flower Season: spring to fall

Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds
Other Features: Can be grown as a small tree. Attracts hummingbirds.

Litter: moderate
Thorns: none
Allergenic: no
Native to: Mexico
Other Features: Can be grown as a small tree. Attracts hummingbirds.