Coral Bean

Coral Bean, Erythrina herbacea, is a deciduous and thorny, low shrub to small tree with many herbaceous stems arising from the woody lower stem and perennial root. They have legume pods containing several bright red toxic beans. The striking terminal spikes of red flowers in the spring attract migrating Hummingbirds and are typically bore before spring foliage emerges. The natural distribution is throughout much of Florida and beyond. The plants die back to the ground in the winter in colder areas. It is very thorny with re-curved spines. It is tolerant of salt air, partial shade, or full sun. Very drought tolerant. As a thorny plant, it is good for background and security barriers.