Home >

Peltophorum pterocarpum,
Yellow Poinciana

Yellow Poinciana is a fast growing tree performing best in full sun on any well-drained soil. The wonderful yellow flowers appear about the same time the Royal Poinciana do. Temperatures slightly below freezing cause the leaves to drop but these are quickly replaced when spring arrives. Even though Yellow Poinciana will develop a very large trunk, its shallow, surface roots in shallow rocky soil make it susceptible to being blown over is strong storms. Locate the tree about ten feet from sidewalks or pavement so the large surface roots don't cause damage.

Trees often form included bark in the crotches which can make this tree weak and split apart. Follow the pruning guidelines below carefully to minimize formation of included bark and to minimize the potential damage from falling branches. Trees compartmentalize decay poorly resulting in decay in older trees, especially those that have been improperly pruned. Trees have been damaged in hurricanes more than many other tropical trees.

Trees cast light shade under the canopy making it easier to grow turf under the tree than under other trees with a denser canopy.