Coralbean

Currently blooming in the Richard T. Bowers Historic Tree Grove is Coralbean (Erythrina herbacea).  In the spring the bare branches of this large shrub bloom with bright cardinal red flowers that are attractive to hummingbirds. In the Tampa area, Coralbean can reach about 12 feet or slightly more in height.

Coralbean thrives in sandy soils and can be found in disturbed areas, forest clearings and open woods. This shrub is native to the North American southeast and in indeed a Florida native plant.

Toxcicity

This plant produces seed pods that contain brilliant red seeds that are highly toxic. Used as beads in Mexico, these are also ground to use as a poison for rats. Don’t plant Coralbean on your property if you have small children who like to stick brightly colored things in their mouths.

Unfriendly Plants

Coral Bean, for the most part, is not my favorite plant growing in the gardens as it falls into a category of plants I consider ‘unfriendly’. Although beautiful, the branches are thorny and cutting this shrub back will leave a lasting impression. Even the leaves of Coralbean are prickly on the underside. When handling these branches I recommend wearing gloves and long sleeves.

In general, I try not to add too many ‘angry’ plants to the garden as I know I will just have to tangle with them for years to come. When it comes time to cut back the Coralbean, you will often find Jill and I in the gardens furiously playing rock, paper, scissors (sometimes with lizards and Spock) to determine which of us will be unlucky enough to start pruning.

What’s in a name?

The genus name Erythrina comes from the Greek work erythros, meaning "red," in reference to the red flowers of many plants in this genus.