Quick answer: Coral bean (Erythrina herbacea) is native to 10 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: gailhampshire from Cradley, Malvern, U.K, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low, Medium |
| Soil | Sandy, well-drained |
| Bloom | Mar-Jun (and sporadically) |
| Height | 3-6 ft (to 15 ft as tree form) |
| Wildlife value | Seeds/flowers attract hummingbirds |
Seeds highly toxic if ingested (contain erythrina alkaloids); showy red seeds pose child-poisoning risk
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Coral bean
Where is Coral bean native?
Coral bean (Erythrina herbacea) is native to 10 states across the South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Coral bean bloom?
Coral bean blooms Mar-Jun (and sporadically). Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Coral bean need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade. Water: Low, Medium. Soil: Sandy, well-drained. Mature height: 3-6 ft (to 15 ft as tree form).
Is Coral bean good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Seeds/flowers attract hummingbirds.
Is Coral bean deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Coral bean is drought-tolerant.
Is Coral bean toxic?
Seeds highly toxic if ingested (contain erythrina alkaloids); showy red seeds pose child-poisoning risk.
Where can I buy Coral bean?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Erythrina herbacea by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Coral bean.
- Yaupon holly Ilex vomitoria
- Pink evening primrose Oenothera speciosa
- Dwarf palmetto Sabal minor
- Standing cypress Ipomopsis rubra
- Lemon beebalm Monarda citriodora
- Woodland pinkroot Spigelia marilandica
Also listed under
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