Shrub
Mexican bird of paradise
Erythrostemon mexicanus · Fabaceae
Also called: Mexican poinciana, Mexican holdback, Tabachin del monte
Mexican bird of paradise (Erythrostemon mexicanus) is a low-water shrub well suited to Tucson and the low desert. It's a fast-growing shrub.
Mexican bird of paradise at a glance
- Water use
- Low (established)
- Sun
- Full sun to light/part shade; tolerates reflected heat.
- Mature size
- 10-15 ft H x 10-15 ft W (trainable as a small multi-trunk tree to ~15-20 ft).
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Bloom
- Clear, soft yellow flowers in upright clusters (no red stamens)., Spring through fall, heaviest in spring and after summer rains; near year-round in mild winters.
- Cold hardiness
- Hardy to about 15-20 F (USDA zones 9-11); tip frost damage possible but recovers quickly.
- Soil
- Adaptable to most well-drained soils including alkaline, rocky, and poor desert soils.
- Native range
- Native to northeastern Mexico (Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon) and just into south Texas; not native to the Sonoran Desert.
- Best used as
- Large screening or patio shrub, Small multi-trunk accent tree, Informal hedge, Evergreen color in xeriscapes
- Wildlife
- Flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.
- Toxicity
- Seeds and pods are considered toxic if ingested; generally low concern but keep seeds away from children and pets.
How to grow Mexican bird of paradise in Tucson & the low desert
Watering
Water established plants deeply every 2-3 weeks in summer; reduce to monthly in cooler months. Looks lush and blooms more with regular deep irrigation.
Fertilizer & nutrients
Little to no fertilizer needed; a nitrogen-fixing legume. Optional light spring feeding supports fast growth; avoid overfeeding.
Pruning & care
Prune in late winter/early spring to shape, raise the canopy, or train as a small tree; remove frost-damaged tips. Avoid heavy shearing.
Notes
Reclassified from Caesalpinia mexicana to Erythrostemon mexicanus; older references use Caesalpinia. The most evergreen and tree-like of the desert bird-of-paradise shrubs, with glossy compound foliage and lightly fragrant flowers. Hardier than red 'pride of Barbados' but less cold-hardy than yellow bird of paradise.
Sources: AMWUA Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert; Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum; University of Arizona Cooperative Extension; Tohono Chul