Bird of Paradise Bush, Desert Bird of Paradise

Scientific Name: Erythrostemon gilliesii (Hook.) Klotzsch
Synonym: Caesalpinia gilliesii, Caesalpinia macrantha, Poinciana gilliesii
Family: Fabaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
Sunset®: 8-16,18-23
USDA: 8-11

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 5°F (-15°C), generally loses its leaves around 25°F (-4°C)

Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade

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.

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

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