Accession Count: 117
Common Name:
narrow leaf yellow bells
Family Name:
Bignoniaceae
Botanical Name:
Tecoma stans
Sub Species:
Variety:
angustata
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Tecoma stans is a deciduous shrub, commonly referred to as yellow bells for their bright yellow inflorescence that bloom from late spring to early fall. The flowers appear more trumpet-like than bell-like, starting as a narrow tube and widening until the pedals begin to fold back. The shrub typically reaches a height of six to eighth feet, and width of six to eight feet. The tropical, green foliage consists of compound leaves holding five to seven leaflets that are pinnately divided. The leaflets reach up to two inches long, and have dentate margins (8). The shrub also generates brown pods, four to six inches in length, that often attract small mammals (7).
Compound:
Tec sta ang
Geographic Origin:
Southwest, Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The narrow leaf yellow bell, is native to the american southwest, from Texas to Arizona , and regions of Chihuahua and Sonora, Mexico. T. stans is often found in other warm climates of the Americas such as Florida, and the Caribbean. It can also be found as far south as Argentina (7,8). Yellow bells has become a nuisance weed and is even considered an invasive plant in Hawaii, and southern Florida (1).
Cultivation Notes:
Because the T. stans is a desert plant, it requires very little water. However, it is recommended to water it when the soil becomes dry (once or twice per month) to insure maximum growth and maturity (4). Yellow bells look best when given moderate amounts during its bloom season, and water should be cut back in the late winter for the best new growth (8). Yellow bells does well in full sun and partial shade, and has a USDA hardness zone beginning at 8 (3). The foliage of this plant can survive temperatures as low as 28oF, while the roots are particularly hardy. (8). It is recommended that this shrub is planted where winters are mostly frost free, or are combined with more cold tolerant evergreens (8). T. stans var. angustata is a more drought and cold tolerant than most other varieties sold in nurseries (7). Though this plant thrives in almost every soil, neutral alkaline soil is what plant will mature best in (3). To insure this fast growing plant reaches full maturity, experts recommend that you prune the tips of this plant in the early spring, along with fertilizing it with 2/3 to 3/4 pounds of ammonium sulfate for a mature bush in the early spring and summer for a healthy plant (4,8). Narrow leaf yellow bells are an easy desert plant to maintain not only because of their heat and drought residence, but also because it can be grown in a container and once this plant is mature, there is generally no problem with pests (4).
Ethnobotany:
T. stans has many uses in landscapes. Commonly used as a border, barrier, windbreak, container plant, or for the patio. In xeriscape techniques, yellow bells should be planted in transition or mini-oasis zones (8). The scent and brilliant color provided by the flowers often attract humming birds, and bee's during bloom season (7). Many are familiar with the traditional medicinal uses of T. stans. Medicinally active compounds in this plant have been known to treat stomach pains, and be used as a diuretic (6).
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
6 - 10 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Screen
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
- Arizona State University -- Retrieved Oct. 11, 2018
- Pima Cooperative Extension -- Retrieved Oct. 11, 2018
- University of Texas -- Retrieved Oct. 11, 2018
- Home Guides -- Retrieved Oct. 11, 2018
- US National Library of Medicine -- Retrieved Oct. 11, 2018
- Bionet -- Retrieved Oct. 11, 2018
- Wildflower -- Retrieved Oct. 11, 2018
- Jones, Warren D, and Charles M Sacamano. Landscape Plants for Dry Regions: More Than 600 Species from around the World. Fisher Books, 2000.
