Is Erythrina herbacea poisonous to pets?
Yes, Erythrina herbacea contains toxic alkaloids and can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets.
Redcardinal (Erythrina herbacea)
Erythrina herbacea, commonly known as Redcardinal, is a perennial shrub native to the southeastern US, featuring vibrant red flowers and attractive foliage.
Above information is sourced from Wikipedia
Sunlight
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Watering
Moderate
Soil
Well-draining soil is crucial. Prefers sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Temperature
Ideal Growing Range
Habitat
Outdoor, Greenhouse
Fertilizer
Light Feeding
Care Requirements
Light
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Water
Moderate
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; reduce in winter.
Soil
Well-draining soil is crucial. Prefers sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Temperature
Ideal Growing Range
18-25 °C
Habitat
Outdoor, Greenhouse
Fertilizer
Light Feeding
Fertilize sparingly in spring with a balanced, slow-release formula.
Plant Overview
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Category
Flowering, Ornamental
Plant Place Type
Ground, Garden, Pot
Plant Environment
Outdoor, Greenhouse
Lifespan
Perennials
Plant Height
1-2 m
Spread
1-2 m
Growth Rate
Moderate
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Compound
Flower Size
5-8 cm
Image Gallery
Flowering & Fruiting Cycles
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Northern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · MayPeak fruit · Jul
FloweringFruiting
Southern hemisphere
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Aug
FloweringFruiting
Synonyms
Corallodendron herbaceum (L.) Kuntze
Erythrina arborea Small
Erythrina hederifolia (Raf.) Spreng.
Erythrina humilis Salisb.
Erythrina rubicunda Jacq.
Xyphanthus hederifolius Raf.
Taxonomy
- kingdomPlantae
- divisionTracheophyta
- classMagnoliopsida
- orderFabales
- familyFabaceae
- genusErythrina
- speciesErythrina herbacea
Toxicity
Toxic for humans
Yes
Rating: 4/5
Toxic for pets
Yes
Rating: 4/5
Edible
No
Additional Care Tips
Water moderately during the growing season, ensuring good drainage. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter dormancy.
Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood and to shape the plant. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage reblooming.
Easily propagated from seeds sown in spring, often after scarification or stratification. Stem cuttings can also be taken in summer.
Repot container-grown plants every 2-3 years in spring, using a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.
FAQs
What are the best growing conditions for Redcardinal?
Redcardinal thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant once established and prefers moderate watering.
When does Erythrina herbacea bloom?
Erythrina herbacea typically blooms from late spring through summer, producing striking spikes of red flowers.
Can Erythrina herbacea be grown in containers?
Yes, Erythrina herbacea can be grown in containers, provided they have good drainage and are repotted every few years.
How should I prune my Redcardinal plant?
Prune Erythrina herbacea in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged stems and to maintain its shape. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms.