Marcie, I noticed in my search for Bauhinia forficata that it is also called Pata de Vaca. See the post about the orchid tree buds.

I don't know how big or how old it has to be to bloom. Mine had a pretty sturdy trunk when I got it a couple of months ago, but was only about four feet tall and very root bound in a 10 gal. or so pot.

Do you have yours in the ground? I see you are in zone 8. Near what city do you live? I'm hoping my plant makes it through the winter in San Antonio.

Click on "Back to Database File on Pata de Vaca" on the link below for more information about the plant.

Here is a link that might be useful: Pata deVaca tree info