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Erythrina herbacea, Coral tree, Coral bean, Cardinal-spear, Cherokee-bean

Erythrina herbacea

Coral tree, Coral bean, Cardinal-spear, Cherokee-bean
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Origin: Mexico and southern USA
USDA Zone: 7-10?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapLarge shrub 5-10 ft tallSmall plant 2-5 ftSemi-shadeFull sunModerate waterRed, crimson, vinous flowersPink flowersThorny or spinyPoisonous or toxicPlant attracts butterflies, hummingbirdsDeciduous plantSubtropical or temperate zone plant. Mature plant cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short timeSeaside, salt tolerant plant

This plant has compound leaves with three leaflets, showy scarlet blossoms in spring, followed by large beans which split to reveal bright red seeds in summer and fall. In nature can be found in a forest or natural area in open sandy woods and clearings; weedy in disturbed areas along roadsides, naturalized; landscape as cultivated herbaceous flowering shrub. Seeds are poisonous, but young leaves and flowers may be cooked and safely eaten.

See article about this plant: Coral Bean - Hummingbird Delight.


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Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/erythrina_herbacea.htm