Erythrina crista-galli
Cockspur Coral Tree
Shrub or tree to 15–20 ft. tall and as wide in nearly frostless areas; perennial to half that size in colder part of range. Native to South America. Many-stemmed, rough-barked plant, with 6-in. leaves divided into 2–3-in.-long leaflets. First flowers form after leaves unfurl in spring, when each branch tip flaunts a big, loose, spikelike cluster of velvety, birdlike blossoms in warm pink to wine red (color varies with the plant). Depending on environment, there may be as many as three
