This vigorous large deciduous tree has a greyish trunk with spreading branches that form a broad irregular rounded crown. It has bright green divided leaves and the scarlet pea-shaped flowers appear in a raceme on a leafless branch during early spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Erythrina x sykesii is naturally found in the Philippines growing in forests on the coast and in the mountains. It prefers a deep well drained fertile moist sandy to clay soil in an open sunny position and is drought resistant but frost tender and tolerates salt laden winds.

The Coral Tree is grown for its flowers and large spreading crown. It is planted in large gardens, parks and farms as a specimen or as a shade tree. It is suitable for coastal regions and establishes in 3-5 years and is long lived. It has thorns on the upper branches and older branches become brittle with age. ID 152

Note:
Care should be taken when planting as the tree develops strong roots, which can block drains or lift concrete and mature trees shed branches.

Erythrina (e-rith-REEN-a) x sykesii (SYK-see-eye)

“Erythrina”, from Greek erythros, “red”; “sykesii” is commemorative (unknown).

Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)