Yellow Poinciana Tree / Yellow Flamboyant / Copperpod Tree

Scientific Name: Peltophorum pterocarpum

Light Requirement: Full sun. It performs best in bright, open locations where it has room to develop a broad canopy.

Height: Typically 30–50 ft. tall in Florida landscapes, with a canopy spread of about 30–50 ft. when mature.

Growth Habit: Fast-growing, broad-spreading flowering tree with a rounded canopy, fern-like foliage, and large clusters of bright yellow flowers. It has a tropical shade-tree appearance similar to Royal Poinciana but with yellow blooms.

Hardiness: USDA Zones 10–11; cold sensitive and may be damaged by frost or freezing temperatures, especially when young; moderately drought tolerant once established; moderate salt tolerance, but best protected from heavy direct coastal salt spray.

Maintenance Info: Moderate maintenance. Young trees should be pruned to develop strong branch structure and good clearance. Expect seasonal cleanup from flowers, leaves, and seed pods. Give it plenty of room away from roofs, driveways, sidewalks, pools, septic areas, and tight planting beds because of its mature canopy size and surface roots.

Best Uses in the Landscape: Excellent as a large flowering specimen tree, tropical shade tree, front-yard focal point, street-side tree, park tree, commercial landscape feature, or large open-lawn accent. It works best in spacious landscapes where its wide canopy and bright yellow flower display can be appreciated.

Plant Info: Yellow Poinciana Tree is native to tropical parts of Southeast Asia and northern Australia. It is known for its large clusters of golden-yellow flowers and soft, fern-like foliage that gives it a tropical look even when not in bloom. It is sometimes used as a yellow-flowering alternative to Royal Poinciana, but like Royal Poinciana, it needs plenty of space to grow properly.