Coralbean

Erythrina herbacea

Commonly known as Coral bean, Cherokee Bean, and Red Cardinal.

A low, glossy-leaved, thorny shrub, growing up to 6 ft. with many herbaceous, annual stems arising from the woody lower stem and perennial root. Leaves fall in winter and before reappearing in spring, upright spikes of showy, tubular flowers appear on the bare branches. The bright-red flowers, up to 12 inches long in spike-like clusters, occur on the upper part of the stem and attract hummingbirds. These are followed by a persisent legume pod containing several bright red beans. The pod is blackish, constricted between the seeds, and up to 8 1/2 inches long. The seeds are firmly attached to the pod by a sturdy 1/8-inch-long thread and will remain in place for months. Seeds are poisonous and should be kept away from children.

Height: 6'-12'
Spread: 3'-6'
Bloom: March - November
Light: Full Sun - Part Shade
Water: Low
Zone: 6 - 10
Origin: Texas, Southern U.S., Mexico