Coralbean in bloom, and bloom and bloom...
The Daily Bucket is a regular feature of the Backyard Science group. It is a place to note any observations of the natural world. Birds, blooms, bugs and more, all are worthy additions to the bucket. Please let us know what is going on around you in the comments, with location as close as you care to share.
May 2013
Coralbean (Erythrina herbacea) is a lovely native plant found growing along the coastal southeast. It's in the Pea family. One of my fieldbooks refers to it as Cherokee Bean or Cardinal Spear. With bright red tubular blooms, you can probably guess what little bird with a long beak and the ability to hover likes to visit.
Here is a typical flower. The blooms open starting at the bottom and going up, a process that can take weeks.
If you look behind the flower you can see a woody stem from last year with its seed pods. The stems are actually hollow and die back after flowering.
The pods contain little red beans, each with a hard protective shell. They are poisonous so no eating, and kids, don't stick one up your nose either!
This is from late last month with first leaves. This is the biggest plant with a mess of canes. Typically new growth will emerge from the base, not so much this year.
This closeup shows branching on a stem from last year. Because of the mild winter, it did not freeze to the ground like is usually does. Note the flower head beginning to develop as well as the new leaves.
Here's another closeup from today showing more of the branching. The 3 triangular leaflets are a key to identification on young plants that are not yet flowering.
Stepping back you can see more of the flowers. When I first spotted this plant near my garden, it was hidden by grape, greenbriar and beautyberry. Certainly has appreciated the space I provided for it. Several more are nearby so I am getting one heck of a colony. Last year I got to see a hummingbird stop by; maybe with more blooms they can stay longer.
And the full view - stalks reaching out 3-4', branches going every which way. I read that further south in Florida, this could be a small shrub or even a tree. Another mild winter like this year and there is no telling how big this one could get.
Pleasant morning here around Tallahassee, 60 overnight but high again in upper-80s. Summer is here, and you lucky guys way up north can now brag about your spring.
