Erythrina Crista-Galli
Erythrina crista-galli
Erythrina crista-galli is a spectacular flowering tree or large shrub from South America, celebrated for its showstopping clusters of waxy, deep scarlet-red, pea-like flowers borne on thorny stems in summer. It is the national flower of both Argentina and Uruguay, symbolizing courage, strength, and national pride.
Fabaceae (Legume / Pea family)
Summer (June to August) in temperate zones; spring to summer in its native subtropical range; flowers appear on new wood after the plant leafs out
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: red silk cotton flowers and red hot pokers also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Few flowers carry the weight of national identity as profoundly as Erythrina crista-galli, which is the national flower of both Argentina, where it is called ceibo, and Uruguay. In Argentina the ceibo has been the national flower since 1942 and the tree itself is a national monument. An indigenous legend from the Guarani people tells of a courageous young woman named Anahí who was burned at the stake by Spanish conquistadors for defending her people; the next morning the tree at the site was blooming with extraordinary red flowers, and she had been transformed into the ceibo, making the flower a symbol of sacrifice, courage, and the undying spirit of indigenous resistance. The species name crista-galli means cock's comb in Latin, referencing the resemblance of the flower clusters to the fleshy crest of a rooster. The genus name Erythrina comes from the Greek erythros, meaning red. In popular parlance the tree is known as cry-baby tree because the large red flowers can drip nectar, said to resemble tears. The tree is also the official tree of the city of Los Angeles, California.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun; requires maximum sun exposure for best flowering; heat is essential to trigger prolific bloom
Water
Moderate to high; prefers consistent moisture, especially during the growing season; tolerates periodic waterlogging near its native river habitats; drought tolerant once established as a mature tree
Soil
Moist but well-drained, Fertile and humus-rich, Tolerates periodically wet soils, Neutral to slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.5)
Expert Growing Tips
Grow outdoors year-round in USDA Zones 9-11; in cooler zones grow in a large container and bring inside before frost, or cut back hard and store the root mass in a frost-free shed
Position against a warm, south-facing wall in borderline climates; even where the top growth dies back in frost, the roots often survive and regenerate from the base
Protect with a thick dry mulch over the crown and root area in borderline-hardy zones; the plant can regenerate from the base even if top growth is killed
Handle with care as the stems bear sharp, recurved thorns; wear protective gloves and long sleeves when pruning or handling
Feed with a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage strong growth and flowering; avoid high-nitrogen feeds that promote lush, frost-tender foliage over flowers
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Spectacular specimen tree for large tropical-effect gardens in warm climates
- Street tree and park planting in subtropical and warm temperate regions
- Container and conservatory specimen in cooler climates
- Large pot plants for sunny patios that can be overwintered frost-free indoors
- Xeriscape plantings in frost-free climates
Traditional Uses
- Various parts of Erythrina crista-galli, including bark and leaves, have been used in South American folk medicine as sedatives, pain relievers, and for treating skin infections; the plant contains erythraline and other alkaloids with documented pharmacological activity
- Traditional use in Argentina and Brazil includes bark preparations as a sleep aid and anxiolytic; modern research has investigated erythrina alkaloids for their effects on the central nervous system, though medical use is not mainstream and the plant should be treated as potentially toxic
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Erythrina Crista-Galli
Why is Erythrina crista-galli the national flower of Argentina?
Erythrina crista-galli, known as the ceibo in Argentina, was officially declared the national flower in 1942. Its deep cultural significance is rooted in Guarani indigenous legend, which tells of a young woman named Anahí who was transformed into the ceibo tree after being burned at the stake for defending her people from Spanish conquistadors, with her spirit living on as the vivid red flowers. The tree represents courage, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of the native people.
Can Erythrina crista-galli grow in cold climates?
Erythrina crista-galli is naturally subtropical and frost-tender. In climates colder than USDA Zone 9, it is typically grown in large containers that are brought indoors before the first frost, or it can be cut back hard in autumn and stored as a dormant root mass in a cool, frost-free location. Even where top growth is killed by frost, established root systems often regenerate strongly in spring.
Why is Erythrina crista-galli called the cry-baby tree?
The vivid red tubular flowers of the cockspur coral tree produce large quantities of nectar, which can drip from the flowers in droplets resembling tears. This led to the evocative common name cry-baby tree in several of the countries where it grows. The flowers are also called Christ's tears in some traditions, a name that reinforces this poetic association.
Is Erythrina crista-galli toxic?
Yes, parts of Erythrina crista-galli contain erythraline and related alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested in significant quantities. The seeds in particular are considered potentially dangerous. The plant should be kept away from children and pets, and any medicinal use should be approached with caution. The plant is not safe for casual home use as a herbal remedy.
What does Erythrina mean?
The genus name Erythrina comes from the ancient Greek word erythros, meaning red, a direct reference to the vivid scarlet color of the flowers that characterizes nearly all members of this genus. The species name crista-galli is Latin for cock's comb, comparing the dense, crested flower clusters to the fleshy red crest on top of a rooster's head.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
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