Coral bean

Erythrina herbacea

Family: FabaceaeZones: 6a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

seeds

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Alkaloids and cyanogenic glycoside, Thorns on stems.

Hazard route

NC State poison record: severity Low; symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea; parts: seeds; dermatitis flag: no.

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

ASPCA has no page under the address(es) tried (coral-bean), checked 10/11/26, so there is no ASPCA verdict. That is not proof of absence. The red seeds are the dangerous part and look like beads; do not string them into necklaces or let children handle them.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 6a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Full sun, Partial Shade (NC State)
Mature size: tall 6-12 ft and wide 3-6 ft per NC State
Where it comes from: NC State: Mexico and southern USA. Distribution: Southern and southeastern states

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon