Cardinal Spear
Erythrina herbacea
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Pl. 6F08 — Erythrina herbacea
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IOverview
Overview
Cardinal Spear (Erythrina herbacea) is a perennial subshrub or shrub native to the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico. It thrives in moist, light to medium soil and prefers full sun to partial shade. Known for its ornamental value, this plant can reach heights of 1 meter and features distinctive red flowers that resemble spears, hence its common name. Additionally, Cardinal Spear is edible; both its leaves and flowers are used in culinary applications. Its native range includes Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and parts of northeastern Mexico.
Quick answers
What is Cardinal Spear?
Cardinal Spear (Erythrina herbacea) is a perennial subshrub or shrub native to the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico. It thrives in moist, light to medium soil and prefers full sun to partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cardinal Spear thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 7-10 and grows as a perennial tree, subshrub, or shrub reaching up to 1 meter tall. For optimal growth, ensure the soil remains consistently moist. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. The edible parts include flowers and leaves.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree, Subshrub, Shrub
Mature size
1.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cardinal Spear for the first time
8steps
Start with Cardinal Spear as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A Cardinal Spear plant or seeds, a trowel, and mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). Ensure it gets full sun to partial shade.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground after danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, plant young seedlings in a container with moist soil.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide regular watering during dry spells. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain shape and remove dead branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the plant in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth and maintain size.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, neglecting to prune, and not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: The Cardinal Spear's flowers and leaves are edible. The flowers can be eaten raw or cooked in salads, while the young leaves are typically prepared by boiling before consumption. Both parts add a mild flavor to dishes.
Other uses:Nitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
9 native · 3 introduced
Distribution
9 native · 3 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 9 native· 3 introduced
Asia2 regions
native (1)Georgia
introduced (1)Pakistan
Broader regions
native:South Carolina, Texas, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mexico Northeast, Mississippi, North Carolina
introduced:Malaya, Jawa
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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