Representatives of the several desert species occur at elevations between 2,000 and 5,000 feet from Texas westward to southern California and south into Mexico.
YELLOW
Caesalpinia gilliesi
Common names: BIRD-OF-PARADISE-FLOWER Arizona desert: (Caesalpinia gilliesi). Yellow-and-red. May-August. Pea family. Size: Shrub, up to 10 feet tall.
Widely grown as a decorative shrub by the people of Mexico, this spectacular import from South America is quite commonly used as an ornamental in yards and around houses in desert areas of the Southwest. Under suitable conditions, it may escape and grow wild. The very showy blossoms with yellow petals and long, thread-like, red filaments are certain to attract attention.
In contrast to the striking showiness of the blossoms, the plant itself is straggling and unsymmetrical, and gives off an unpleasant odor.
YELLOW
Opuntia engelmanni
Opuntia basilaris
