As a deciduous shrub, Esperanza or Yellow bells are irregularly shaped and grow 3-6 feet tall in the US, but in more southern varieties, they can grow up to 9 feet tall. The plant has several stems and slender, erect branches. The trumpet-shaped, yellow flowers are very showy against the lance-shaped, olive-green leaves. Long, thin pods characterize autumn. The natural range stretches from southwest Texas to Arizona, through Mexico and Central America to South America as far north as northern Argentina, and from southern Florida too much of the Caribbean. Southwest US and adjacent Mexico are home to Tecoma stans var. angustata, which is shorter, more drought-tolerant, and more cold-tolerant than some of the tropical varieties sold in nurseries.
Those who have seen the plant in bloom will understand the "Yellow Bells" name because it produces bright, eye-catching yellow blossoms. Due to its drought tolerance and stunning appearance, it has become a popular landscaping plant. As part of the Bignoniaceae family, Esperanza sets are closely related to desert willow, catalpa, cross-vine, trumpet-creeper, and other plants.
