Tecoma stans aka Yellow Bells

Tecoma stans is an evergreen shrub or small tree. Gardeners call it yellow elder or yellow bells. Its plant family is Bignoniaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical parts of the Americas. These include the Caribbean and parts of the southern United States. The range runs south through Central America to northern Argentina. It grows on dry, disturbed ground and in forests.

Garden shrubs often stand 3–6 feet [0.9–1.8 metres] tall. Plants can grow much larger in warm sites without frost. Some reach 25–30 feet [7.6–9.1 metres] tall. RHS gives an upper height of 39 feet [12 metres]. Reported spreads reach 20–30 feet [6.1–9.1 metres]. Several trunks hold a crown with an uneven shape. Its branches droop and have no thorns. Young green twigs turn reddish brown as they age. Pale gray or brown bark forms cracks over time. Young bark has white marks called lenticels. Leaves grow in pairs on opposite sides of the stem. Each pinnate leaf has five to thirteen green leaflets. These grow along a shared stalk. Each leaflet has a toothed edge and a pointed shape.

Yellow flowers grow in groups and have a light scent. Each has a trumpet shape with fine red lines inside. Bloom can last from spring until frost. In the tropics, plants may bloom through the year. RHS reports bloom from late winter into spring. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds feed on nectar from the flowers. The plant also hosts larvae of the plebeian sphinx moth. Long seed pods turn from green to grayish brown. They hold many small, papery seeds. Small mammals eat seeds and browse the leaves.

Full sun gives the best bloom. The plant accepts clay, loam, or sand that drains well. It also grows in acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. It copes with heat and drought but benefits from moist soil. Let the soil dry between waterings. Water less during winter. Hardiness reports range from USDA zones 9–11 to 10b–11. RHS rates it H1C. In cold regions, it needs indoor shelter in winter. Plants in pots suit patios. Outdoor plants serve as accents or hedges. Pruning helps control size and shape. Florida authorities class it as invasive. They limit where they recommend its use.

Serious pests and diseases are rare. Scale insects and insects that chew leaves may cause minor harm. Indoor plants can attract spider mites and whiteflies. RHS notes that honey fungus may cause harm. Whether the plant is prone to this remains unclear. People have brewed the roots into beer. Traditional medicine uses several plant parts. These reports do not prove that such uses are safe or helpful. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards. That does not prove safety for people or pets. People have used the hard wood for bows, tools, and furniture.