Desert Bird of Paradise

The Caesalpinia gilliesii, also known as bird-of-paradise, is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the pea family. It typically grows to 10-15 feet tall and is native to Argentina and Uruguay subtropical areas. The plant is known for its attractive yellow flowers with bright red stamens, which bloom in summer on branches with fern-like green leaves.

It was introduced to the southwestern U.S. several years ago and has spread from California and Nevada to Oklahoma, Texas, and Georgia. It should be noted that it differs from the South African Strelitzia reginae, also known as bird-of-paradise.

The Caesalpinia gilliesii is winter hardy in USDA Zones 8-11 and can tolerate temperatures down to 30 degrees F. It can be grown in medium moisture, moderately fertile, well-drained soils in full sun, although it can also tolerate light shade. Established plants are drought-tolerant and should be pruned as needed. Propagation is typically done by seed.