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Yellow Elder

Scientific Name
Tecoma stans
Family 
Bignoniaceae
Status
Native
​

Botanical Description

Tecoma stans, commonly known as Yellow Elder, is a small flowering tree or large shrub typically growing 10-16 feet (3-5 m) tall.

Growth Form 
  • Upright and branching 
  • Rounded to open crown 
  • Fast-growing 
  • Can be pruned into shrub form or allowed to grow as a small tree 
Bark 
  • Light brown to gray 
  • Smooth when young 
  • Slightly rough with age 
Leaves 
  • Opposite arrangement 
  • Pinnately compound 
  • 5-13 serrated leaflets 
  • Medium green 
  • Slightly rough texture 
  • Leaves are divided into multiple leaflets rather than being a single blade. 
Flowers 
  • Bright golden-yellow 
  • Trumpet-shaped 
  • 2-3 inches long 
  • Produced in large clusters 
  • Bloom repeatedly throughout the year in warm climates 
  • The flowers are showy and highly visible, especially after rain. 
Fruit 
  • Long, narrow seed pods 
  • 4-8 inches long 
  • Split open when dry 
  • Release many thin, winged seeds

Habitat

Tecoma stans occurs in Human Altered environments such as abandoned fields and yards as well as along the edges of Dry Broadleaf Evergreen Formation- Shrublands (scrubland coppice) in either sand or limestone substrates.

Distribution 

Tecoma stans occurs throughout the island groupings of the Lucayan Archipelago and is now common in the New and Old World tropical and subtropical regions.

Ecological Importance

  • Attracts bees and butterflies 

  • Provides nectar resources 

Cultural Notes

  • Is the national flower of The Bahamas 

  • Used ornamentally in landscaping 

  • Symbol of Bahamian identity

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