The Ceibo, Argentina’s National Flower

The ceibo (Erythrina crista-galli, known in English as the cockspur coral tree) has been Argentina’s national flower since 1942. It blooms in summer along the rivers and wetlands of the Litoral region in northeastern Argentina, with clusters of fiery red flowers on a twisted, thorny trunk.

Why it’s the national flower

It was declared the National Flower by decree on December 23, 1942. Three things weighed in: it’s a native species found across much of the country, its red was read as a symbol of the blood shed in the struggles for independence, and it was already a deep-rooted popular emblem in the culture of the Litoral. Uruguay also adopted it as its national flower.

The legend of Anahí

The most widespread Guaraní version tells that Anahí was a young woman with a plain face and an extraordinary voice, who sang to her people. When the conquistadors arrived she was taken prisoner; she escaped by killing a guard, was recaptured and was sentenced to be burned at the stake. As the flames engulfed her she kept singing, and at dawn, in the spot where she had been tied, a tree with red flowers had grown.

That’s why in Argentina the ceibo is read as resistance, love for the land and beauty born of sacrifice.

When and where to see it

Fact	Details
Blooming season	October to March, peaking in December and January
Where it grows	The Litoral, the Paraná Delta, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, Chaco, Formosa and the entire shore of the Río de la Plata
In Buenos Aires City	Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, Parque Tres de Febrero, Costanera Norte, the Tigre Delta

Other emblematic Argentine flowers

• Notro or ciruelillo (Chilean firebush): the “Patagonian ceibo,” deep red, typical of the south.
• Amancay: the yellow flower of Patagonia, with its own Mapuche legend.
• Jacaranda: it isn’t native to Buenos Aires, but it paints the city purple every November.
• Palo borracho (silk floss tree): pink flowers and a bulging trunk, an icon of the north.
• Clavel del aire (air plant): found throughout northern Argentina.

Can you give a ceibo as a gift?

Not as a cut flower: it doesn’t last at all in a vase, and in many areas the tree is protected. What you can find are seedlings at plant nurseries. It’s a very meaningful gift for someone moving into a house with a garden or patio.