Yellow Elder Tecoma stans

The Yellow Trumpetbush is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree that has clusters of bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers. The showy flowers bloom from spring until frost. In warmer climates, they may bloom all year long. In the United States, the shrub is typically 3-6 feet tall but can grow up to 10-25 feet tall and 10-20 feet wide. The plant is a member of the Bigoniaceae or Trumpet Creeper Family which are mostly tropical trees or shrubs. Other common names include Esperanza (Spanish for hope), Trumpet Flower, Yellow Bells, Yellow Elder, Yellow Trumpet Flower, and Yellow Bignonia. 

The plant is native to south-central Texas, Arizona, Mexico, Central America, and South America as far as northern Argentina. It is also native to southern Florida and the Caribbean. In Florida, the shrub is listed as invasive and is only recommended in specified and limited use. It is winter hardy in USDA zones 10b-11. The shrub's native habitats include roadsides, hillsides, high elevations, slopes, and canyons. Reportedly, the wood from the shrub was used by the Native Americans for bowmaking. 

The origin of the genus name, Tecoma, is an abbreviation for its Mexican name "tecomaxochitl." The species name means "erect" or "upright." 

The Yellow Trumpetbush blooms best in full sun. It will perform well in organic-rich and moist, well-drained soils. The shrub benefits from being allowed to dry out between waterings. The blooms may be prolonged by deadheading the spent flowers. Pruning is necessary after flowering to control the size and shape of the shrub. The plant may be propagated by seeds or soft cuttings. It is best to collect the seeds in late summer or fall when the fruit pods are no longer green. Seedlings may be easily transplanted, and they will typically bloom within 2 years. The Yellow Trumpetbush is heat and drought tolerant and is moderately resistant to deer. During harsh winters in their native range, the shrub may die back. When this occurs, the shrub should be cut back to the ground.

The leaves are odd pinnately compound with 5-13 leaflets. The leaflets are medium to olive green, 1.5 to 5 inches long, and elliptic to lanceolate with serrated margins. The flowers are bright yellow trumpet-shaped and emerge in clusters or racemes. They are very showy and mildly fragrant. The fruits are long thin green to grayish-brown capsules which are very conspicuous in the fall as they dangle from the shrub. The shrub is multi-trunked with dangling branches. The bark is light gray to brown

The nectar of the flowers attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Small mammals feed on the seeds, and other mammals browse on the leaves.

The Yellow Trumpetbush is frequently planted as a specimen or accent plant due to its prolonged blooming and brilliant floral display. It is also used in the landscape mixed in with other border shrubs, patios, or containers. 

The cultivar, 'Gold Star,' has golden yellow trumpet flowers and dark green glossy leaves. It is heat tolerant and pest resistant.

Quick ID Hints:

• Odd pinnately compound leaves with 5-13 leaflets
• Leaflets are medium to olive green, elliptic to lanceolate with serrated margins
• Showy bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers with pale red veins inside the tube
• Green to grayish-brown elongated fruit capsules

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems:

The Yellow Trumpetbush has no serious disease or insect problems. Scale and chewing insects may be spotted. Spider mites and whiteflies may occur in plants that are maintained indoors.