Coral Bean

bright red flower of Coral Bean

The Coral Bean (Erythrina herbacea) is a native wildflower of Texas and much of the South. It is also known as the Cherokee bean, Red Cardinal, or Cardinal spear. It can be grown in gardens as a source of brilliant early colour, and it attracts hummingbirds. Native people used this plant for various medicinal purposes, although the seeds are poisonous if ingested.