Spring Puts the erythr (red) in Erythrina

Coralbean or Cherokee Bean is a native pea Erythrina herbacea and a big specimen can be found in the northwest corner of the Caples Garden.

The red flowers are said to attract hummingbirds. Toxic alkaloids are found throughout the plant, so don't be experimenting with this one. The seeds are just as red as the flowers and lack the black spot that distinguishes the similarly poisonous Rosary Pea (Arbrus precatorius), which is also found on campus. General rule of thumb: Don't eat red seeds!