Erythrina is a genus of upwards of 100 species of trees native to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. A number of species are popular in horticulture for their large and brilliantly colored flowers, usually bright red. These trees belong to the bean family, Fabaceae, a fact that will not surprise anyone who examines their leaves which greatly resemble those of the bean plant.
Most species are not cold hardy enough to grow in Sacramento, and the only species I have seen locally is E. crista-galli, the cockspur coral tree, although it remains uncommon here. It is a small, thorny tree that is grown mainly for its brilliant and unusual red flowers. Most trees I have seen have significant branch dieback and often contain large areas of decay in the trunk as a result. It reportedly tolerates drought but requires good soil drainage.
Other species are grown in the bay area and especially Southern California. With the warming climate, a few could be tried in our area. Several are reportedly hardy to zone 9.
Most species are not cold hardy enough to grow in Sacramento, and the only species I have seen locally is E. crista-galli, the cockspur coral tree, although it remains uncommon here. It is a small, thorny tree that is grown mainly for its brilliant and unusual red flowers. Most trees I have seen have significant branch dieback and often contain large areas of decay in the trunk as a result. It reportedly tolerates drought but requires good soil drainage.
Other species are grown in the bay area and especially Southern California. With the warming climate, a few could be tried in our area. Several are reportedly hardy to zone 9.