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(Erythrostemon gilliesii)
Bird Of Paradise Bush (Erythrostemon gilliesii)
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Mike Ostrowski
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Mike Ostrowski
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Mike Ostrowski | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Mike Ostrowski | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-07-01T17:27:49-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Erythrostemon gilliesii, commonly known as Bird of Paradise Bush, is a perennial plant that can behave as an evergreen shrub, semi-deciduous, or deciduous tree, depending on the climate. It is native to dry forests and scrublands in South America, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay. This species typically grows to a height of 1–4 meters, with the size being largely dependent on the amount of rainfall in its environment. The Bird of Paradise Bush is notable for its striking flowers, which are borne in racemes up to 20 cm long. Each flower features five bright yellow petals and 10 long, conspicuous red stamens that create a dramatic contrast, making the flowers quite showy when in bloom. The plant also produces pods that are densely covered in short, red glandular hairs.
The Bird of Paradise Bush is valued for its drought tolerance and unique, ornamental flowers, which make it a popular choice for xeriscaping and as an accent plant in water-conserving gardens. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring soils with fast to medium drainage. While it is not commonly used for hedges or borders due to its open, irregular form, it can provide a striking focal point in a garden. Gardeners should be aware that Erythrostemon gilliesii can become invasive in some regions outside its native range, so it is important to consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Bird of Paradise Bush is valued for its drought tolerance and unique, ornamental flowers, which make it a popular choice for xeriscaping and as an accent plant in water-conserving gardens. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring soils with fast to medium drainage. While it is not commonly used for hedges or borders due to its open, irregular form, it can provide a striking focal point in a garden. Gardeners should be aware that Erythrostemon gilliesii can become invasive in some regions outside its native range, so it is important to consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-13 feet
- Width: 7-10 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Yellow, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Dry forests and scrublands in South America, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay
Other Names
Common Names: Bird-Of-Paradise Shrub, Desert Bird Of Paradise, Yellow Bird Of Paradise, Barba De Chivo
Scientific Names: , Caesalpinia gilliesii, Erythrostemon gilliesii, Poinciana gilliesii, Caesalpinia macrantha, Poinciania gilliesii, Prosopis gillesii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Erythrostemon gilliesii (Hook.) Klotzsch