Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) [SIR-sis kan-ah-DEN-sis] |
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| Other Names | Judas Tree, Love Tree, Cercis canadensis-Standard, CERCIS , RED BUD EASTERN { CLUMP FORM }, Cercis canadensis-Multi Stem, CERCIS RED BUD |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Description |
Cercis canadensis, commonly known as the Eastern redbud, is a small, deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It typically grows 20-30 feet tall and wide, with a graceful, spreading, often multi-trunked form. One of the most distinctive features of the redbud is its prolific spring bloom. Before the tree's heart-shaped leaves emerge, the bare branches become covered in an abundance of small, pea-like, magenta-pink flowers. This showy floral display makes redbud a popular ornamental tree. Cercis canadensis prefers well-drained, moist soil and full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a variety of soil types, including clay, and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. The tree provides year-round interest with its spring blooms, summer foliage, and interesting seed pods in fall. In the landscape, the redbud makes an excellent specimen tree, accent plant, or addition to naturalized areas. Its smaller size also allows it to work well in urban settings and as an under-story tree. Redbuds attract pollinators and provide cover for wildlife. Cercis canadensis requires minimal pruning beyond occasional thinning or shaping. It is generally low-maintenance and disease-resistant. The redbud is an adaptable, versatile native tree that adds both beauty and ecological value to the garden. |
| Named Cultivars | Cercis canadensis 'Ace of Hearts', Cercis canadensis 'Alley Cat', Cercis canadensis 'Appalachian Red', Cercis canadensis 'Cascading Hearts', Cercis canadensis 'Columbus Strain', Cercis canadensis 'Covey', Cercis canadensis 'Flame Thrower', Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy', Cercis canadensis 'Greswan' BURGUNDY HEARTS, Cercis canadensis 'Hearts of Gold', Cercis canadensis 'JN7' SUMMER'S TOWER, Cercis canadensis 'Little Woody', Cercis canadensis 'MN Strain', Cercis canadensis 'Morton', Cercis canadensis 'Northern Strain', Cercis canadensis 'Pauline Lily', Cercis canadensis 'Pink Heartbreaker', Cercis canadensis 'Pink Pom Poms', Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls', Cercis canadensis 'Silver Cloud', Cercis canadensis 'Tennessee Pink', Cercis canadensis 'The Rising Sun', Cercis canadensis 'Vanilla Twist', Cercis canadensis 'White Water', Cercis canadensis f. alba, Cercis canadensis var. texensis |
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| Plant Data | |
| I am a... | Deciduous Perennial Tree |
| Where to Find It | There are three redbuds between the east and central paths relatively close to the south end of the woods. They're easiest to see in early spring, when their pink/purple flowers stand out. |
| How to Recognize It | Redbuds are unmistakable in early spring, as the purple buds emerge directly on the branches and open into pink flowers. The leaves are distinctively heart-shaped, turning yellow in fall. As an understory forest tree, the branch structure is often graceful and spreading, while in full sun in our yards they can be so dense as to be impenetrable. The smaller branches typically twist somewhat one way then the other. |
| Why to Like | Before coming to the garden, Eastern Redbud were understory trees. As in our yards, Redbuds provide an early season burst of color. Many animals and birds eat the seeds, especially in winter when they frequently remain on the tree. The flowers are important component of the production of honey. |
| Mature Size | 20 - 25 feet tall. 20 - 30 feet wide. |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Sun Exposure | Partial Shade - Full Sun |
| Moisture Tolerance | Medium : Prefers average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. |
| Zones | 4a - 8b |
| Tags | Accent, Asian Garden, Attractive to Butterflies, Border, Butterfly Garden, Cottage Garden, Deciduous, Deer-Resistant; Clay Soil; Black Walnut, Fall Color, Flowering Tree, Illinois Native, Ornamental Tree, Rain Garden, Shade Tree, Showy Flowers, Street Tree, Thornless, Urban, Well-Drained Soil Accent Trees, Bareroot Trees, Fast Growing Trees, Flowering Trees, Ornamental Trees, Small Yard Trees |
| Bloom Period | Early Spring (First Bloom: 191 GDD, Full Bloom: 245 GDD) |
| Flower Color | Rose-Purple
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| Foliage Color | Purplish Green |
| Animals That Use It |
Nectar: Seeds: |
| Data Sheets | |
| Links | |
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Eastern Redbud, Cercis canadensis (University of Wisconsin-Extension) |
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More Photos: Google Image Search & Flickr |
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