Esperanza, also known as Yellow Bells, is a deciduous shrub growing 3-6 feet tall in the US and up to 9 feet tall in more southern varieties. The plant has several stems and slender, erect branches. It produces trumpet-shaped, yellow flowers that stand out against its lance-shaped, olive-green leaves. In autumn, long, thin pods characterize the plant.

Its natural range extends from southwest Texas to Arizona, through Mexico and Central America to South America and as far north as northern Argentina, and from southern Florida to much of the Caribbean. Tecoma stans var. angustata, which is shorter, more drought-tolerant, and more cold-tolerant than some tropical varieties, can be found in the southwestern US and adjacent Mexico.

Esperanza is often called "Yellow Bells" due to its bright, eye-catching yellow blossoms. Its drought tolerance and stunning appearance have made it a popular choice for landscaping. As part of the Bignoniaceae family, Esperanza is closely related to desert willow, catalpa, cross-vine, trumpet-creeper, and other plants.