Erythrina herbacea aka Coral Bean

Erythrina herbacea, or coral bean, belongs to the pea family. Its native range spans the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico. It grows in coastal woods, clearings, and sandy pine lands. This slow-growing plant changes its form with the climate. It grows as a shrub where winters are mild. In colder places, frost kills the stems, but roots send up new growth.

Garden plants reach 6–12 feet [1.8–3.7 metres] tall. They spread 3–6 feet [0.9–1.8 metres] wide. Some descriptions give a smaller height of 4–6 feet [1.2–1.8 metres]. Warm sites can support small trees near 16 feet [4.9 metres]. Many stems rise from a lasting woody base. Smooth, pale grey-brown bark bears hooked prickles. Young shoots range from green to purple. The glossy leaves grow in an alternate pattern along the stems. Each leaf has three arrow-shaped leaflets, sometimes prickly beneath. Plants shed their leaves in winter, though tropical plants may stay green.

Scarlet flowers form long, upright racemes near the stem tips. They often open on bare branches before new leaves grow. The narrow flowers look like tubes and draw hummingbirds. One large petal folds around the four smaller petals. North Carolina State lists flowering from May to July. Other records describe repeated bloom from spring through fall. Dark legume pods follow the flowers and narrow between each seed. The pods split to show bright red seeds. Seeds may stay attached for months, adding interest after bloom.

Grow coral bean in sun and soil that drains well. It also accepts some shade and clay, loam, or sand. North Carolina State lists acid soil and USDA zones 6–9. LLIFLE gives zones 8–11, with zone 7 possible under suitable conditions. Its cold tolerance depends in part on dry winter conditions. Plants need little upkeep within their natural range. Their flowers suit native and pollinator gardens. Seeds also have a history of use as necklace beads.

All parts contain toxins, with the greatest concern in seeds. Eating them can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Large amounts of seed can be fatal. Keep the bright seeds and seed necklaces away from children. Sources record cooked flowers and young leaves as food. These uses do not make the raw plant safe to eat. Historical uses include remedies for bowel and urinary complaints. Such records describe past use, not proof of safe treatment.