The Cry-baby Tree is a striking South American native that transforms into a living fireworks display each spring. Erythrina crista-galli, also known as the coral tree or cockspur coral tree, grows as a small tree or upright shrub reaching 15 to 20 feet tall in its ideal range, though it can stretch to 30 feet under perfect conditions. Native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina, this spiny tree produces crimson papilionate flowers in dramatic drooping racemes up to 2 feet long that bloom generously from April through October. Hardy in zones 9 through 11, it develops gnarled, character-filled trunks as it matures, creating a sculptural presence in the landscape.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
240in H x 180in W
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Low
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Crimson flowers cascade in loose, drooping clusters up to 2 feet long from April through October, creating a nearly continuous display of bold color. The tree's naturally gnarled trunk and compound pinnate foliage give it architectural interest even when not in bloom. In zone 9, this tree is root hardy and will regenerate from its roots each spring after winter dieback, making it resilient even in marginal climates where true frost-free conditions are rare.
The Cry-baby Tree is grown as a street tree and ornamental specimen in warm gardens, valued primarily for its stunning floral display and architectural form. Its showy fruits add seasonal interest alongside the flowers, extending its visual appeal throughout the growing season.
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“The Cry-baby Tree originates from the subtropical and warm temperate regions of South America, where it grows wild across Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. These trees have long been valued in their native lands and have traveled through cultivation to gardens worldwide, adapted by plant explorers and botanists who recognized their ornamental potential. The species name crista-galli refers to the flower's resemblance to a rooster's comb, a detail that speaks to centuries of observation by those who grew and appreciated this tree.”