Yellow Bird Of Paradise
Caesalpinia gilliesii, Pea Family: ( Fabaceae ), Yellow Bird of Paradise; sometimes called Mexican Bird of Paradise.
A large irregular shrub which can be trained to become a small deciduous tree. It may become an evergreen in warmer areas. Attracts hummingbirds.
Originally a native of Argentina, now naturalized throughout SW US. Considered by many to be native of Arizona.
Height: Up To 5' - 10', they spread out 4' -6'.
Flowers: on branch terminals, informal racine of solid yellow flowers with long red stamens; they bloom mainly in the spring and early summer, then sporadically; 4" -5" long
Blooming Time: March - September.
Fruit: Tan fuzzy pod, dehiscent, curled, persistent on branches unless removed.
Stems/Trunks: Greenish stems, noticeable lenticils, spineless; a slender trunk if any.
Leaves: bipinnately compound leaf. With 6 to 12 pairs of pinnae and 5 to 10 pairs of leaflets.
Found: Arizona.
Elevation: 0 - 5000 Feet.
Habitat: Sandy desert washes, dry slopes and mesas to 5000'. Also used for landscaping
Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken June 13, 2003. Hawkins Ranch, Near Date Creek.
