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Esperanza

Tecoma stans

Last reviewed: June 2026

Tecoma stans is a drought-tolerant shrub native to Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, and Texas that produces bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers from March through November. This hardy plant attracts butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds while requiring minimal water.

Esperanza (Tecoma stans)
Photo: (c) Robert Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Robert Taylor

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Esperanza as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

48"–96" H × 36"–60" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

AZ, FL, NM, TX

Pollinators

butterflies, moths, hummingbirds

Esperanza is a cheerful shrub that produces bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers almost year-round in Texas. This drought-tolerant native grows into a rounded bush that provides reliable color with minimal water requirements.

Growing Esperanza

Grow Esperanza in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 48 to 96 inches tall and spread 36 to 60 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Esperanza takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range

Wildlife value

The abundant yellow blooms attract butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds throughout the growing season. Its long flowering period makes it a valuable nectar source from spring through fall.

Common questions

When does Tecoma stans bloom?
Tecoma stans blooms from March through November, providing nearly year-round color in warm climates.
What pollinators visit Tecoma stans?
Tecoma stans attracts butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds with its bright yellow trumpet-shaped flowers.
Where is Tecoma stans native?
Tecoma stans is native to Arizona, Florida, New Mexico, and Texas in the United States.
How much water does Tecoma stans need?
Tecoma stans is drought-tolerant and thrives with low water requirements once established, though it can adapt to moderate watering.
Is Esperanza toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Esperanza as toxic to livestock.
Is Esperanza HOA-friendly?
Esperanza takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Esperanza fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.