Caesalpinia Species, Gray Nickerbean, Fever Nut, Mysore Thorn, Nicker Nut, Yellow Nicker

Caesalpiniabonduc

Family
Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Caesalpinia (ses-al-PIN-ee-uh)
Species
bonduc (BONN-duck)
Synonym
Caesalpinia bonducella
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Late Fall/Early Winter
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Shrubs
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Vines and Climbers
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
Scarify seed before sowing
Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Big Pine Key, Florida

Boca Raton, Florida(2 reports)

Cape Canaveral, Florida

Fort Pierce, Florida

Key West, Florida

Miami Beach, Florida

Venice, Florida

Grenoble, Rhône-Alpes

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Gardener's Notes:

5
positives
4
neutrals
0
negative
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R
Whisper Walk, FL | February 2014 | positive

We are located in Boca Raton, Florida and planted a butterfly garden last year and have had great success. We have been fortunate enough ...Read More

B
North Bay Village, FL | May 2013 | positive

Gray nickerbean is the host plant for the almost extinct Miami Blue butterfly, whose last documented colony is located in Bahia Honda Pa...Read More

C
Houston, TX | November 2012 | neutral

Would like to have this plant. Please contactme at byem203@yahoo.com

H
H
San Antonio, TX (Zone 8b) | January 2009 | neutral

I have not grown this plant. Gray Nicker, Gray Nickerbean (Caesalpinia bonduc) can be found growing natively in only Red River County in...Read More

C
(Zone 10b) | June 2008 | neutral

Uses: Febrifuge and treatment for snake bites

A
A
State College, PA | February 2007 | positive

Quite easy to germinate once seed is scarified; grows well as a houseplant if provided enough light (mine is currently in a large terrar...Read More

F
Josephine, Arlington, TX (Zone 8a) | February 2007 | neutral

Gray Nicker, Gray Nickerbean, Nicker Nut, Fever Nut, Hold Back, Wait-a-bit Vine Caesalpinia bonduc is Native to Texas and other States.

F
Melbourne, FL | February 2005 | positive

Found a number of plants growing on the back dune of the Cape Canaveral beach. The spiny seed pods are intimidating, but simply handle w...Read More

N
Boca Raton, FL (Zone 10a) | September 2004 | positive

Gray Nicker or Gray Nickerbean is a salt-tolerant, hardy plant native from coastal north-central and central Florida south through the Ke...Read More

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