Edward F. Gilman, Dennis G. Watson, Ryan W. Klein, Andrew K. Koeser, Deborah R. Hilbert, and Drew C. McLean
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Introduction
Erythrina herbacea is a shrub that may attain a height of 15 feet but is often smaller. It rarely exceeds a height of 8 feet in the northern and central sections of Florida. The coralbean has compound leaves that are semi-deciduous, and these 4- to 9-inch-long leaves are composed of three shallow-lobed leaflets. The leaves are dull green in color and have prickles on their midribs; the prickles are found on the undersides of the leaflets. The stems of this plant are also armed with short, recurved spines. In south Florida, slender, multiple trunks that are covered with pale, thick bark are formed. Bright red, tubular flowers are borne in 2-foot-long terminal racemes that can be enjoyed from April to June. These flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. The showy fruits of the coralbean are drooping pods that are constricted between the seeds. These pods split in the fall to reveal the beautiful, bright red seeds.
Figure 1. Full Form—Erythrina herbacea: Coralbean
General Information
Scientific name: Erythrina herbacea
Pronunciation: air-rith-RYE-nuh hur-BAY-see-uh
Common name(s): coralbean, cardinal spear, Cherokee bean
Family: Fabaceae
Plant type: perennial; herbaceous
USDA hardiness zones: 8 through 11 (Figure 2)
Planting month for zone 8: year round
Planting month for zone 9: year round
Planting month for zone 10 and 11: year round
Origin: native to the coastal states of the southeastern United States, in addition to Texas and Mexico
UF/IFAS Invasive Assessment Status: native
Uses: border; mass planting; attracts hummingbirds; container or above-ground planter
Figure 2. Shaded area represents potential planting range.
Description
Height: 5 to 15 feet
Spread: 8 to 12 feet
Plant habit: round
Plant density: open
Growth rate: moderate
Texture: medium
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: alternate
Leaf type: odd-pinnately compound;trifoliate, made up of 3 leaflets
Leaf margin: lobed
Leaf shape: deltoid (Figure 3)
Leaf venation: pinnate
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: 4 to 9 inches; leaflets are 1 to 3 inches
Leaf color: dull green on top, paler green underneath
Fall color: no fall color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Figure 3. Leaf—Erythrina herbacea: Coralbean
Flower
Flower color: bright red
Flower characteristic: tubular; emerges in clusters on 2' long, terminal racemes
Flowering: late winter to spring
Figure 4. Flower—Erythrina herbacea: Coralbean
Fruit
Fruit shape: pod with obvious bulbous seed pouches
Fruit length: 2 to 4 inches
Fruit cover: dry or hard
Fruit color: brown
Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy; bright red seeds
Figure 5. Fruit—Erythrina herbacea: Coralbean
Trunk and Branches
Trunk/branches: thorns present; not particularly showy
Bark: pale, thick, rough, and armed with tiny thorn-like spines
Invasive potential: native plant that often reproduces into nearby landscapes
Pest resistance: no serious pests are normally seen on the plant
Use and Management
Coralbean is often used to give a woodland planting a naturalistic, informal effect. It is also excellent as an accent or specimen plant. The bright red flowers add beautiful highlights to any landscape. It can be planted along a fence where it will climb alone and cover it.
Derivatives of the plant have been used as a laxative. Native Americans ate roots to increase perspiration. The beans have been used to poison rats and to paralyze fish.
Erythrina herbacea should be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils but prefers one that is fertile and well-drained. Fertilize this plant once or twice each year, and cut back the dead tops in the winter.
Propagate coralbean from scarified seed or cuttings; cuttings root very easily.
Pests and Diseases
No pests or diseases are of major concern.
Reference
Koeser, A.K., Friedman, M.H., Hasing, G., Finley, H., Schelb, J. 2017. Trees: South Florida and the Keys. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.
