Habitat:
Coralbean grows in a variety of habitats but prefers sandy loam soils and is most frequently found in mesic hardwood hammocks, open, sandy woods, disturbed sites, or clearings. It is somewhat tolerant of salt and may be found in open sites near salt water.

Size/Form:
Coralbean is an erect, herbaceous perennial that grows from 3' to 4' tall with a woody base and sharp prickly stems. It may appear vine-like and is frequently multi-stemmed.

Leaves:
The leaves are compound and trifoliolate (composed of three leaflets). They are about 6" to 8" long and alternately arranged. The leaves are dull, yellowish-green, and smooth both above and below and are borne on short stalks, with slightly thickened petiole bases. Leaflet margins are entire. Stems are slender and lined with tiny spines. Small, curved spines may also be found on the lower side of leaves.

Flowers:
The flowers are bright, scarlet-red, tubular blossoms that are clustered on long stalks and they bloom in May and June.

Fruit:
The fruit is a dry pod (legume), about 4" to 6" long that bears bright, reddish-orange seeds.