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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