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(Erythrina flabelliformis)
Coralbean (Erythrina flabelliformis)
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Cecelia Alexander
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Cecelia Alexander
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CC0 1.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Cecelia Alexander | License Type: CC0 1.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Uploader: aspidoscelis | Publisher: Flickr
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Erythrina flabelliformis, commonly known as Coralbean, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the desert grasslands and open woodlands of the Southwestern United States and Mexico. It typically grows up to 3 meters (10 feet) high and is recognized for its strikingly bright scarlet flowers and distinctive prickly stems. The flowers, which appear in the spring and early summer, are crowded in terminal racemes and are quite showy, making it a favorite among pollinators such as hummingbirds. The fruit is a legume that tapers at both ends and is covered with tiny but dense hairs. The seeds are oval, up to 15 mm (0.6 inches) across, and are scarlet with a white hilum, but they contain toxic alkaloids that are potentially lethal if ingested.
Coralbean is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flower display, which adds a splash of color to xeriscapes and desert gardens. It is often used in naturalistic plantings and as an accent plant in dry garden settings. This plant thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, making it suitable for low-water-use gardens. It prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of poor soil conditions. While it is generally easy to maintain, gardeners should be cautious of its prickles and toxic seeds.CC BY-SA 4.0
Coralbean is valued for its drought tolerance and vibrant flower display, which adds a splash of color to xeriscapes and desert gardens. It is often used in naturalistic plantings and as an accent plant in dry garden settings. This plant thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, making it suitable for low-water-use gardens. It prefers well-drained soils and is tolerant of poor soil conditions. While it is generally easy to maintain, gardeners should be cautious of its prickles and toxic seeds.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 5-15 feet
- Width: 4-12 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Desert grasslands and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Chilicote, Western Coral Bean
Scientific Names: , Erythrina flabelliformis, Erythrina purpusii, Erythrina corallioides,
GBIF Accepted Name: Erythrina flabelliformis Kearney