Erythrina x bidwillii

Sunset

Zones 8, 9, 12-31

Full

Moderate

Seeds are poisonous if ingested.

Coral Tree
Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Deciduous, Shrubs, Trees

ERYTHRINA

Many species; known and used chiefly in frost-free parts of Arizona, Florida, Southern California, and Hawaii. Valued for brilliant flowers in colors ranging from greenish white through yellow to light or vivid shades of orange and red. The flat, beanlike pods following bloom contain poisonous seeds. Leaves are divided into three leaflets. These are typically thorny plants with strong structural value, both in and out of leaf. To eliminate too rapid, succulent growth and limb breakage in larger species, give little or no irrigation during dry weather and prune after flowering.

Erythrina x bidwillii

The plant grows to 8 ft. tall and as wide; sometimes treelike to 20 ft. or taller. Spectacular spring-to-winter display of 2-ft. long clusters of pure red flowers on long, willowy stalks; main show in summer. Cut back flowering wood after blossoms fade. Very thorny; plant away from paths and use long-handled pruners when trimming.