Erythrina crista-galli (Cockspur coral tree)

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Erythrina spp.

coral trees

Fabaceae Tropics and subtropics worldwide

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Hummingbirds Drought Tolerant

Native to North America

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–12

Overview

Erythrina spp. is a genus of about 130 trees, shrubs, and a few perennials in the pea family, Fabaceae, known as coral trees. Plants range from suckering shrubs 6-15 feet (1.8-4.5 m) tall to spreading trees reaching 30-60 feet (9-18 m), with stout, often thorny branches. The leaves are compound with three broad leaflets, and the trunk and stems of many species carry short, sharp prickles. The flowers are tubular to pea-shaped and usually bright red or orange-red, carried in dense upright or arching clusters, often appearing on bare branches before the leaves. Long-tongued birds pollinate the nectar-rich flowers, which are followed by narrow pods containing hard red or red-and-black seeds. The genus is native to the tropics and subtropics worldwide, in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, growing in dry forest, savanna, and coastal scrub. Many species are deciduous in the dry season and tolerate drought once established. The wood is soft and brittle, and limbs break in wind. The seeds of most species contain alkaloids that are toxic to people and animals if eaten.

Native Range

Erythrina spp. is native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including the Americas, sub-Saharan Africa, southern and eastern Asia, and the Pacific and Indian Ocean islands. Species grow in dry forest, savanna, grassland, and coastal scrub. E. crista-galli is native to South America, while E. caffra comes from southern Africa.

Suggested Uses

Grown as flowering shade and street trees in warm climates, and as specimen plants for the red flowers and bird activity. Smaller and shrubby species are used in borders and large containers. Several species are planted as living fence posts and for nitrogen-rich green manure.

How to Identify

Identify Erythrina spp. by the three-part leaves, the short sharp prickles on stems and leaf stalks, and the clusters of bright red tubular flowers, which often open on leafless branches. The flowers are followed by constricted pods that look beaded around the hard seeds. The red or red-and-black seeds are a further marker of the genus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 60'

Width/Spread10' - 40'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

orange

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Winter Spring

Flowering occurs mainly from late winter through spring, generally February to May, often on bare branches before new leaves expand. Some species flower intermittently through the warm months. The flowers draw birds and bees in large numbers during bloom.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

red to orange-red

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

10-20 years to mature size

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Most Erythrina spp. species grow in full sun on deep, well-drained soil and tolerate sandy, rocky, and coastal ground, fixing nitrogen through their roots. The genus needs warmth and grows outdoors in USDA zones 9-12, with frost killing top growth, though some species resprout from the base. Established plants tolerate drought and need little feeding. The soft, brittle wood breaks in storms, so plants need space away from structures. Stem borers and a gall wasp affect some species in cultivation. Young plants are damaged by frost.

Pruning

Pruning is done after flowering to clear dead, broken, or crossing branches and to control size, as plants regrow quickly. Cutting back hard renews old or storm-damaged specimens. Pruning cuts on the soft wood heal slowly and can invite rot.