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This is a dense,
thorny shrub with light green leaves that are broad at the base and
taper at the tips to a point like an arrowhead. Spikes of red
flowers appear in April-June with the lower flowers opening first
and fading as the upper flowers open. Flowers, pollinated by
migrated hummingbirds, then produce seedpods with bright red seeds
that resemble beans. Mature height is about 10 feet. Found in
sandy soils along Coastal Prairies and Marshes of south and
southeast Texas and inland in the east Texas Pineywoods. It is
frequently grown as an ornamental. The beans are toxic.
Propagation is from scarified seeds or cuttings. Drought
tolerant. Grows in part-sun to part-shade. |
