Erythrina sandwicensis

Common Names

Wiliwili, Hawaiian Coral Tree, Tiger's Claw, Hawaiian Erythrina, Coral Tree

Summary

An endemic Hawaiian tree of dry forests on leeward slopes. It is deciduous, shedding leaves in summer. Leaves are compound with three leaflets. Showy clusters of orange to yellow flowers appear after the leaves drop. The fruit is a papery pod containing red-orange seeds. The wood is lightweight and was historically used for surfboards and outrigger canoes. It is nitrogen-fixing with Bradyrhizobium.

Prefers full sun and well-drained sandy to loamy soils and tolerates drought and high winds. It is frost-free. It can be propagated by seed or cuttings, with scarification or soaking recommended to improve germination. Seeds and flowers are used in leis. It is also used in revegetation, landscape plantings, and live fences. It contributes to soil enrichment through nitrogen fixation.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

16-49 feet

Spread

20-45 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.5, Mildly acidic, neutral, or mildly alkaline

Bloom Color

Orange (generally); also red, salmon, peach, light green, green, yellow, or white forms.

Bloom Time

Summer

Foliage Color

Green, medium to dark green

Fall Foliage Color

No fall foliage color

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous to semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

1-2 ft/yr initially, 6-12 in/yr at maturity, full size in ~15-20 years

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Air layering

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, other pollinators, birds