Caesalpinia mexicana
Mexican Bird of Paradise
Description
This is a large shrub reaching 15' tall and 4'-6' wide. It has fern-like, lush, dark green, evergreen foliage. Spectacular yellow flowers appear in spring and summer. After flowering, pods appear on the shrub and will "explode" at times. It will tolerate heat more than other species. It grows moderately fast and needs well drained soil. In the low desert, it is evergreen and can bloom all year round. It prefers full sun and does best with occasional watering.