Glendale Public Library
Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Information Sheet

Caesalpinia mexicana-Mexican Bird of Paradise

Fragrant lemon yellow flowers in 3-6" long racemes.  In colder areas, an herbaceous perennial often to only 3-6'.  Ferny lush green foliage and spectacular flowers.  Will tolerate more heat than most.  Pods and seeds may be poisonous. Large shrub 15' tall & wide. Native of Northern Mexico.  In low desert, evergreen and can bloom year round.  No spines.  Seeds are distributed by pods splitting but seedlings are easily controlled. Moderately rapid grower but needs well drained soil.