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Erythrina crista-galli

cockspur coral tree

Fabaceae South America

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Hummingbirds Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterMedium · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Erythrina crista-galli is a small deciduous tree or large shrub 15-25 feet (4.5-8 m) tall with a broad, spreading crown and a gnarled, often crooked trunk. Young stems and leaf stalks carry scattered short curved prickles. The compound leaves have three leathery leaflets, each 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long. Deep red pea-like flowers, each 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) long, hang in arching clusters 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) long at the branch tips through the warm months. The flowers hold nectar and draw birds and large insects. Flat woody seed pods 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long follow, holding hard brown seeds. The seeds, bark, and leaves contain erythrina alkaloids that are toxic if eaten by people or animals. In cool climates the top growth is cut back by frost and the tree regrows from the base in spring. It needs a warm, sheltered, well-drained site and is damaged by prolonged cold or by wet soils.

Native Range

Erythrina crista-galli is native to South America, including Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay, where it grows along rivers, wetlands, and gallery forest margins. It is the national flower of Argentina and Uruguay.

Suggested Uses

Grown as a flowering specimen or small shade tree in warm-climate and coastal gardens, and as a cut-back shrub in colder areas. Its summer flowers and tolerance of damp ground suit it to poolside and waterside plantings where there is room for the spreading crown.

How to Identify

Identify by the spreading crown, prickly young stems, and three-part leaves with leathery leaflets 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long. In the warm months it carries arching clusters 6-24 inches (15-60 cm) long of deep red pea-shaped flowers at the branch tips. Flat woody pods 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) long holding hard brown seeds follow the flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 25'

Width/Spread15' - 25'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Flowering occurs through the warm months, from late spring into autumn, with the heaviest display in summer. In the southern hemisphere this falls roughly from November to March. Repeat flushes can appear on new growth after light pruning.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-12 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 Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand clay

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-5 years to flowering

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Erythrina crista-galli grows in full sun in deep, well-drained soil with regular water during the warm growing season. It tolerates short dry spells once established but is damaged by waterlogged ground. The tree is frost tender; in cold areas the stems die back and regrow from the base, while in mild climates it builds a permanent woody framework. The seeds, bark, and foliage contain alkaloids toxic to people and animals if eaten. It is propagated from seed or hardwood cuttings, and seedlings can flower within a few years.

Pruning

Pruning is done in late winter while the tree is leafless, cutting spent flower stems and shortening or removing frost-damaged wood. In cold areas the whole top can be cut close to the ground each year, and the plant regrows as a multi-stemmed shrub. Light pruning after the first flush can bring a second flowering.