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Erythrina lysistemon

Also Known As

Common Coral Tree
Lucky Bean Tree

Plant type

tree

size

H: 15'-30'
W: 15'-30'

planting zones

9a-11

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Erythrina lysistemon plant details

Erythrina lysistemon is a broadleaf deciduous tree with green foliage. In spring red flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Erythrina lysistemon

Plant type: tree
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 15 FT - 30 FT - wide, 15 FT - 30 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring
Uses: small tree

GROWING CONDITIONS for Erythrina lysistemon

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low

Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Regal, scarlet blooms sit stark against the stocky, grey, naked trunk of this marvelous tree in early Spring before the leaves emerge. Popular & renowned in S. Africa as a street tree & garden ornamental, it's long been associated with royalty & the seeds are considered to be lucky charms. The 4" long blood red flowers are full of nectar for birds & insects. While technically this beauty falls into the "Zonal Denial" category of plants, I've seen this tree thriving locally, so I know that if you provide it with a somewhat sheltered spot the occasional frost isn't going to be too detrimental. While it may grow upwards of 30' in Zone 10, the specimens that I've seen locally are closer to 15-20' in height, with a canopy that spans almost as wide. It's a low-branching tree, fast growing, & easy to please. It looks somewhat better if provided with summer water, but can be generally considered to be drought tolerant! Prefers loose, well draining, rich soil.