Botanical Name: Erythrina crista-galli
Common Name: Cockspur Coral Tree Type of Plant: dicot: tree/shrub Character deciduous Habit of Growth: Overall Shape variable; plant mostly has shrubby growth with irregular branching to form a broadly rounded canopy Height 15-30' (40') Spread equal or more Growth Rate rapid Environment: Exposure outdoors full or partial sun Soil a well-draining loam preferred; tolerates poorer Hardiness some frost (zones 7-9, 12-17, 19-24); prefers warm coast Morphology: Leaves trifoliate, alternate, 8-14" long, leaflets are ovate, elliptical, 2-4" long; have spiny petioles and glandular stipules Flowers loose orange-red spikes of compressed-tubular flowers: 10-15" long, very showy, at ends of branches; each flower 1-2" long Fruit a pod: 6-15" long, constricted between seeds Propagation: seed, semihardwood cuttings Usage: a tropical-theme accent tree, used for its heavy flower display and irregular form; suitable for background screen/barrier plantings in large-scale landscapes Landscape Care: Watering regular is preferred; can tolerate drought after established at mild-climate coastal sites Fertilizing as needed; little required if heavily watered Pruning cut out dead ends of branches afterspring bloom; thin Pests/Diseases relatively free Special Conditions/Other Origin: Brazil (tropical deciduous forest region) Family: Fabaceae Notes: |
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