coral-bean

Plant Type

Herbaceous Wildflower

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

6 ft. tall
3-6 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Seed is easily germinated after being scarified.

Plant Planting Notes

Provide at least 3-6 ft spacing.

Plants/Diseases

No significant disease or pest issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar source for hummingbirds

Leaves

Leaves compound, alternate, and arrow-shaped; prickly.

Flowers

Bright red, funnel shaped flowers with 4-5 fused petals.

Fruit

Legume.

Toxicity

Mildly toxic, but only if ingested.

USDA Hardiness Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Dry, Medium

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

dry sandy woodlands, longleaf pine sandhills, hammocks.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Uncommon in the South Carolina coastal plain. Absent from the piedmont and mountains.