Cockspur coral tree

How to identify a cockspur coral tree

Cockspur coral tree is a broad, spreading small tree with rough grey-brown bark on older wood. Its stems and leaf stalks carry scattered sharp prickles, some hooked. Each leaf has three smooth, oval leaflets, with the end leaflet on a much longer stalk. In spring and early summer, loose clusters of 20 to 40 deep scarlet flowers appear at the branch tips. Each flower is about 4 to 5 cm long, with the top petal bent back. Long pods follow, ripening dark brown to black and pinched between the seeds. The common coral tree has broader leaflets and short, dense flower clusters that usually open before the leaves, while the native bat's wing coral tree has lobed leaflets.

Growing a cockspur coral tree in Brisbane

Brisbane's warm climate suits cockspur coral tree, and it is now naturalised across South East Queensland. It ranks among the region's 200 most invasive plants and turns up most often in low-lying, swampy ground with little tree cover, and along creeks. Its pods, seeds and broken stems ride floodwaters into wetlands, and dumped prunings can take root. That makes it a poor choice anywhere near a creek, drain or bushland. If you want red flowers, a native such as the Illawarra flame tree or firewheel tree is a better fit.

What to watch out for

Brisbane City Council lists cockspur coral tree as pest vegetation because it invades creeks and wetlands. The prickles on the stems and leaf stalks can give nasty scratches. There are reports that the seeds are poisonous, so keep them away from children. Unitywater lists coral trees among the plants to keep away from water and sewer pipes. Cut branches and fallen seeds can start new plants, so clean up thoroughly after any pruning or removal.

• Spines. The trunk, branches and leaf stalks carry sharp prickles, some of them hooked.
• Poisonous parts. There are reports that the seeds are poisonous if eaten.
• Seedlings. Seeds, pods and broken branches take root in moist ground, and floodwater carries them into creeks and wetlands.

Pruning and care

Wear thick gloves for any work on this tree, as the stems and leaf stalks are prickly. Don't leave cut branches lying on damp ground, because they can take root and grow. Take all prunings and pods off site, or bag them. Weeds Australia advises treating it with herbicide while it's actively growing, ideally in spring, because simply cutting it down and painting the stump often fails. Big trees near houses, fences, play areas or roads are a job for a professional with the right gear.

• Tree removal
• Stump grinding
• Tree pruning