Ceibo (cockspur coral tree) Erythrina crista-galli
Ceibo (cockspur coral tree) (Erythrina crista-galli) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and southern Brazil. It grows 4–10 m (13–33 ft) tall and 4–8 m (13–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -7 °C (19 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
Plan Ceibo (cockspur coral tree) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Ceibo (cockspur coral tree) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 4–10 m (13–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance high |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -7 °C (19 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about October for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and southern Brazil |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Ceibo (cockspur coral tree) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds, bark
Seeds contain erythrina alkaloids.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Ceibo (cockspur coral tree)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Ceibo (cockspur coral tree)
- How far apart should I plant Ceibo (cockspur coral tree)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–8 m (13–26 ft).
- Does Ceibo (cockspur coral tree) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Ceibo (cockspur coral tree) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance high.
- How cold-hardy is Ceibo (cockspur coral tree)?
- It tolerates about -7 °C (19 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Ceibo (cockspur coral tree) flower?
- From about October for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Ceibo (cockspur coral tree) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Seeds contain erythrina alkaloids.
- What grows well with Ceibo (cockspur coral tree)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora Argentina, IBODA-CONICET
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- National tree and flower of Argentina and Uruguay; waxy crimson flowers on riverbanks. Dies back to a woody base after hard frost.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis