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Erythrina herbacea Cardinal spear (1 Page of 5) The Erythrina herbacea plant species is found in Southeastern N. America - North Carolina to Texas. It is a member of the Leguminosae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Cardinal spear. Some home gardeners know the variety as E. arborea. Small. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Erythrina herbacea Common Name: Cardinal spear Family: Leguminosae Author: L. Known Hazards: The plant contains alkaloids that have powerful narcotic and purgative effects[200]. Mature Height: 1 Mature Width: Habitat: Sandy soils in hummocks, the coastal plain and pinelands[229].
Cultivation Notes: Requires a moderately fertile well-drained soil in a very sunny position[200]. Best if given the protection of an east, south or southwest facing wall[200].
Becoming a tree in the south of its range, this species is shrubby or even herbaceous towards the limits of its northerly range[229]. It is not very hardy outdoors in Britain though the rootstock can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c provided the stem bases are thickly mulched with organic matter such as leaf litter or sawdust and covered with bracken[200]. Alternatively, the roots can be lifted in the autumn and stored in a cool frost-free place, replanting in the spring.
Plants take 3 - 4 years to flower from seed[200].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200].
For further Erythrina herbacea gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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