ERYTHRINA. Coral tree. Southern U.S. to South America, Africa. Usually associated with southern California and other subtropics, this group includes a few spectacular small trees and shrubs adaptable to more temperate climates. They have unusually stout stems and are openly branched, the bark studded with thorns. The leaves are large, long-stalked and divided into threes, generally lush and tropical-looking. Large spikes of beak-like blossoms in various shades of red or pink are carried at the shoot tips in repeated waves. The following selections may bloom any time from spring to fall in coastal climates (they perform best if pruned after each blooming cycle). Sun or light shade, reasonably well drained soil, moderate watering. The following are hardy to 15-20^o, resprouting after apparently lethal winter damage.

x bidwillii. A spectacular hybrid involving the following species. It is highly variable in height and shape, with long, arching stems. The leaves are bright green and softly shiny. 1-2’ spikes of glowing red blossoms are borne almost any time during the growing season. It should have fairly frequent pruning to develop an attractive shape.

crista-galli. Cockspur coral tree. This is the stouter and more distinctly tree-like of the two, though severe annual frost damage will promote shrubbier growth. It has somewhat smaller flower spikes than the last, with flowers in various, usually bright, shades of red.