Coral Bean
(Erythrina herbacea)
Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea)
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Jody Shugart
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Jody Shugart
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jody Shugart | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Jody Shugart | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-04-14T15:24:36-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Erythrina herbacea, commonly known as Coral Bean, is a semi-deciduous shrub native to coastal plains, pine flatwoods, and open woodlands in the Southeastern United States, Mexico, and Central America. It typically grows to about 5 meters (16 feet) in height in frost-free areas; however, in regions with freezing temperatures, it often remains a smaller subshrub, reaching only 1.2 meters (3.9 feet). The plant has a smooth, light gray bark and is adorned with tubular, bright red flowers that grow in long spikes, each flower measuring 4–6.5 cm (1.6–2.6 inches) in length. The blooming period extends from April to July, and the flowers are particularly showy, making it an attractive addition to gardens. Following the flowering season, it produces 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 inch) pods containing bright red seeds, which are quite conspicuous and contribute to the plant’s common name.
Coral Bean is valued for its early season color and its ability to attract hummingbirds, making it a desirable plant for wildlife gardens and naturalized areas. It is hardy in USDA Zones 7-10 and can tolerate a range of soil types, though it grows best in sandy soils with good drainage. It has moderate salt tolerance, which makes it suitable for coastal plantings. In cultivation, it requires full sun and medium amounts of water. While not commonly found in every garden, those who do grow Coral Bean appreciate its low maintenance and ornamental qualities. Potential problems include susceptibility to root rot in poorly drained soils and occasional pest issues such as caterpillars.CC BY-SA 4.0
Coral Bean is valued for its early season color and its ability to attract hummingbirds, making it a desirable plant for wildlife gardens and naturalized areas. It is hardy in USDA Zones 7-10 and can tolerate a range of soil types, though it grows best in sandy soils with good drainage. It has moderate salt tolerance, which makes it suitable for coastal plantings. In cultivation, it requires full sun and medium amounts of water. While not commonly found in every garden, those who do grow Coral Bean appreciate its low maintenance and ornamental qualities. Potential problems include susceptibility to root rot in poorly drained soils and occasional pest issues such as caterpillars.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Subshrub, Shrub
- Height: 6-12 feet
- Width: 3-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Coastal plains, pine flatwoods, and open woodlands
Other Names
Common Names: Coral-Bean, Redcardinal, Cardinal-Spear, Cherokee-Bean, Mamou Plant, Red-Cardinal, Cardinal Spear, Cherokee Bean, Coral Bean
Scientific Names: , Erythrina herbacea, Erythrina arborea, Erythrina herbacea f. albiflora, Erythrina herbacea var. arborea, Corallodendron herbaceum, Erythrina hederaefolia, Erythrina hederifolia, Erythrina humilis, Erythrina rubicunda
GBIF Accepted Name: Erythrina herbacea L.