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(Erythrostemon mexicanus)
Mexican Holdback (Erythrostemon mexicanus)
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johnyochum
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
johnyochum
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: johnyochum | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: johnyochum | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2016-03-16T10:28:30-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Erythrostemon mexicanus, commonly known as Mexican holdback, Mexican caesalpinia, or tabachín del monte, is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Fabaceae family. It is native to dry forests and thorn scrub habitats in Mexico. This species typically reaches a height of 3–4.6 m (9.8–15.1 ft) and a spread of 1.8–3 m (5.9–9.8 ft), with a rounded form and branching structure. The foliage is fine-textured and lush, providing a dense canopy. From February to July, and often continuing to October, it produces showy yellow flowers that are highly attractive to pollinators.
Mexican holdback is valued for its ornamental features, including the vibrant yellow flowers and its ability to thrive in dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It is used in gardens and landscapes for border planting, as a specimen plant, or for creating natural screens. It prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. It is relatively low-maintenance but may require pruning to shape or control its size.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mexican holdback is valued for its ornamental features, including the vibrant yellow flowers and its ability to thrive in dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It is used in gardens and landscapes for border planting, as a specimen plant, or for creating natural screens. It prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. It is relatively low-maintenance but may require pruning to shape or control its size.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 5-15 feet
- Width: 6-10 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Dry forests and thorn scrub habitats in Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Mexican Caesalpinia, Mexican Bird Of Paradise, Tabachín Del Monte
Scientific Names: , Caesalpinia mexicana, Poincianella mexicana, Erythrostemon mexicanus, Caesalpinia mexicana var. pubescens, Poinciana mexicana,
GBIF Accepted Name: Erythrostemon mexicanus (A.Gray) Gagnon & G.P.Lewis