Coralbean

Coralbean
Erythrina herbacea

Coralbean, also called Cherokee bean, is a showy perennial that attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Its long stems (as tall as 3 feet) grow from the woody base. Leaves are very unusual, looking a lot like the spades in a deck of cards. They are bright, lime green, and quite pretty. The foliage dies back in winter. Scarlet blooms show up in spring and early summer. Hummingbirds love to dip a beak into the long, thin blossoms. The beans that follow are very showy - bright red within black pods. One thing to remember: the beans are toxic to pets and humans, so keep Rover and your children away. This plant requires little care and does fine with average watering.

3-6 feet tall x 2 feet wide       Part shade        Zones 8-10      native

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 Photo: Mrs. W.D. Bransford/Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center