Cherokee Bean, Cardinal Spear, Coral Bean

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Southeastern USA, Mexico

Growth Habits: Deciduous herb, caudiciform shrub, or small tree, up to 10 feet tall (3 m), 6 feet spread (1.8 m); compound leaves with three trilobed to delta-shaped leaflets, the central one, longest, up to 5 inches long (12.5 cm)

Watering Needs: Little water when established, salt tolerant, needs well drained soil

Propagation: Seeds

Erythrina herbacea in Art Pacheco's collection in Tucson

The Cherokee Bean seeds are mildly toxic, causing diarrhea and vomiting.

Blooming Habits:
The Erythrina herbacea has scarlet flowers, somewhat tubular, in an elongated terminal cluster, up to 2 feet long (60 cm), in spring, that attract hummingbirds.

Fruiting Habits:
Elongated pods, slightly constricted between the seeds, opening to show bright red beans in the fall. The seeds are poisonous, but the young leaves and flowers can be cooked and eaten.