Erythrina herbacea L.

Coral Bean; Cardinal Spear; Red Cardinal

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Cherokee Bean is a native semi-woody species in the Bean family (Fabaceae). It can found in the southern half of Alabama. Cherokee Bean grows in pine woods, in thickets, in prairies, and on old dunes. The dark green compound leaves are armed with prickles on the lower side of the leaf along the major veins, and the stems have recurved spines. Tubular bright red flowers are produced in long racemes. These flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. Flowers are followed by oddly shaped fruit that are curved and constricted between the seeds. At maturity, the fruit splits open to reveal the scarlet seed which remain attached to the fruit. In addition to the southeastern United States, Cherokee Bean extends south into Mexico. In our area, the plant is usually killed back to ground level by cold weather. In more tropical areas it forms a shrub or small tree. All parts of the plant, but especially the seed are poisonous. They have been used to poison rats and fish in the past. The seed have also been used by Native Americans as beads. Cherokee Bean can be purchased in some native plant nurseries, and several other species are often seen in the landscape. Plants can also be grown from seed or root divisions. Cherokee Bean grows best in full or partial sun on well drained soils. It is best used as an accent plant in an area away from heavy traffic. It is very drought tolerant.--A. Diamond

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Native

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