Erythrina crista-galli (Cry Baby Tree)

Erythrina crista-galli, Erythrina laurifolia, Cry Baby Tree, Cockspur Coral Tree, Cock's Comb Coral Tree

Botanical names: Erythrina crista-galli, Erythrina laurifolia

Common names: Cry Baby Tree, Cockspur Coral Tree, Cock's Comb Coral Tree

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Faboideae

Origin: South America

Plant attracts butterflies, hummingbirds

The Erythrina crista galli is one of the hardiest and most attractive trees in the genus. It can tolerate temperatures as low as the mid twenties and returns from colder temperatures through root runners. Growing as a robust bush and often reaching up to twenty feet high and wide, this small tree has a rapid growth cycle with it maturing to its full size in just a few years. Its dense, rounded habit and heavily thorned branches are covered in large, vibrant red and Crimson flowers during the spring and attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

This tree is highly tolerant to salt, making it ideal for coastal, seaside and other gardens in climates with full sun and which fall under the USDA hardiness zones 9-11. When gardening in colder regions, it should be grown in a container and grown in a warm and well-drained location with an all-purpose potting mix. To keep the tree healthy and promote flower production, the pot should be changed every 2-3 years and supplemented with organic compost fertilizer annually. An extra bi-monthly fertilization may be necessary to ensure larger growth.