Alternate name: Eves-necklace, Coralbean, Eve's Necklacepod

Family: Fabaceae, Pea view all from this family

Description Eve's necklacepod, a 15-30 ft., spineless shrub or tree, bears light-green, graceful leaflets and fragrant, pink, wisteria-like blooms. Black fruit hangs in 4-6 in. strings of 1/2 in. beads. Seeds are red. Foliage is deciduous.

Warning The seeds of this plant are reported to be poisonous, and those of its close relative Mescalbean (S. secundiflora) can be deadly. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.

Habitat Watersides (fresh).

Range Southeast, Texas, Plains.

Comments The planting site must be well-drained or Eve's necklace will get chlorotic. It grows from seed to 6 ft. in 3 years. The plant is most attractive when grown alone, as it becomes spindly in competition from larger plants. Flowers and seeds are said to be poisonous.

Exposure Preference Sun to partial shade.

Flower April - June

Native Distribution Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana & n.c. & c. Texas

Site Preference Limestone uplands; sandy stream banks

Soil Preference Well-drained soils.