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Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)

Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis, Eastern Redbud, Shrub, Small Tree, Pink Flowers,
Cercis canadensis, Eastern Redbud, Shrub, Small Tree, Pink Flowers,
Cercis canadensis, Eastern Redbud, Shrub, Small Tree, Pink Flowers,

Noted for its showy spring flowers, Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud) is a deciduous, often multi-trunked tree with a graceful, rounded crown and horizontally tiered branches. Masses of pea-like rosy-pink flowers held in clusters cover the bare branches in the spring before the foliage emerges, creating a most dramatic display. Honeybees use the flowers for pollen. Butterflies and hummingbirds utilize Eastern Redbud for nectar. The cheerful blossoms give way to bean-like, brown seedpods that adorn the branches in summer and may persist into winter. Emerging bright green tinged-red, the rounded, heart-shaped leaves mature to dark blue-green in summer before turning pale yellow to greenish-yellow in the fall. As the leaves drop, they reveal the unique and irregular branching patterns and pleasing silhouette of this Redbud. State tree of Oklahoma, Cercis canadensis adds elegance to any space. Additionally, Cercis canadensis is an important early pollinator plant.

  • Grows up to 20-30 ft. tall (6-9 m) and 25-35 ft. wide (7.5-10.50 m).
  • Eastern Redbud is found on a variety of sites ranging from xeric to mesic but grows better on moist, well-drained sites in full sun to part shade . It does not usually grow on flooded sites because it cannot endure inundation or survive in poorly aerated soils. The best flower production is obtained in full sun, but part shade is best in hot summer climates. Needs a winter chill before the flowers set properly.
  • Perfect choice as a specimen plant or for shrub borders.
  • Generally pest-free. Watch for canker, verticillium wilt, dieback, leaf spots, mildew and blights. Deer tolerant.
  • Does not transplant well. It should be planted when young and left undisturbed.
  • Native to eastern and central North America from Connecticut to New York to southern Ontario and the Great Lakes south to western Texas and Florida.

Redbud Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success


While redbud trees are generally resilient and easy to grow, they are not without their challenges. From pest infestations to diseases and environmental stress, it’s crucial for gardeners to identify and address these issues promptly to maintain the health and vibrancy of these stunning ornamental trees.

Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fabaceae
Genus Cercis
Common names Redbud, Eastern Redbud
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Fall
Height 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 25' - 35'
(7.6m - 10.7m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, Northeast, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma
Tolerance Deer, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
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Do I Need?
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cercis chinensis (Chinese Redbud)
Cercis canadensis Lavender Twist (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis The Rising Sun (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis f. alba (White Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis ‘Alley Cat’ (Eastern Redbud)
Cercis canadensis Golden Falls® (Eastern Redbud)

Recommended Companion Plants

Betula pendula (Silver Birch)
Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
Amelanchier arborea (Downy Serviceberry)
Fagus grandifolia (American Beech)
Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweet Gum)
Carpinus caroliniana (American Hornbeam)
Carya glabra (Pignut Hickory)
Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry)
Erythrina herbacea (Coralbean)
Hamamelis virginiana (Virginian Witch Hazel)
Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon)
Rhapidophyllum hystrix (Needle Palm)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
35 Best Flowering Trees for a Spectacular Garden Display
Small Trees, Big Impact: Maximize Your Garden’s Potential
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
How to Create an Enchanting Butterfly Garden
For the Love of Butterflies: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
6 Reasons You Should Create a Butterfly Garden
Redbud Tree: Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Redbud Tree: How to Grow and Care with Success
Cercis (Redbud Tree)
For the Love of Bees: Best Flowers to Attract them to Your Garden
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 4 - 9
Heat Zones 2 - 9
Climate Zones 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Trees
Plant Family Fabaceae
Genus Cercis
Common names Redbud, Eastern Redbud
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid)
Fall
Height 20' - 30'
(6.1m - 9.1m)
Spread 25' - 35'
(7.6m - 10.7m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Southwest, Southeast, Midwest, Northeast, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Indiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Illinois, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Florida, Arkansas, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma
Tolerance Deer, Dry Soil, Clay Soil
Attracts Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles Traditional Garden, Informal and Cottage
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Cercis (Redbud)
Guides with
Cercis (Redbud)
Not sure which Cercis (Redbud) to pick?
Compare Now

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