Eastern Redbud, American Judas Tree, American Redbud, Redbud
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small, deciduous tree native to eastern North America. Admired for its striking early spring blossoms, heart-shaped foliage, and adaptability, this ornamental tree is a favorite in gardens, parks, and naturalized landscapes. It is often found growing as an understory tree beneath taller species, making it a charming addition to woodland gardens. The Eastern Redbud is the state tree of Oklahoma and an important early pollinator plant.
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), along with Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis), Chinese Redbud (Cercis chinensis), and Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum), belongs to the legume family Fabaceae, sharing its lineage with plants such as peas, beans, lupines, and orchid trees.
The Eastern Redbud is native to eastern and central North America, extending from Connecticut and New York through southern Ontario and the Great Lakes region, southward to western Texas, Florida, and central Mexico. It thrives in open woodlands, along forest edges, and in river valleys, where it prefers well-drained soils and partial shade.
The Eastern Redbud is a deciduous tree with a rounded to vase-like crown. It is often multi-trunked, with branches that spread gracefully. Its zigzagging twigs and arching branches contribute to its distinctive appearance.
Eastern Redbud typically grows 20 to 30 feet (6-9 m) in height with a spread of 25 to 35 feet (7.5-10.5 m). It has a medium growth rate, adding about 1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm) per year under favorable conditions. Discover 35 Fast Growing Trees for Small Yards and Large Gardens
The lifespan of the Eastern Redbud is typically 20 to 25 years, though some specimens may live longer with proper care.
The Eastern Redbud is one of the first trees to bloom in early spring, producing an abundance of pea-like flowers that range in color from pink to lavender. These blossoms, about ½ inch (1.3 cm) wide, appear in tight clusters along branches, even before the leaves emerge. Pollinators such as bees and butterflies are highly attracted to these flowers. Redbud trees are among the best flowering trees, renowned for their spectacular seasonal display.
Following flowering, flat, reddish-brown seed pods develop, measuring 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) in length. These leguminous pods persist into winter, providing a food source for wildlife.
The leaves of the Eastern Redbud are heart-shaped, simple, and alternate, measuring 3 to 5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm) in length. Emerging with a reddish tint, they mature to a bright green in summer before turning a soft golden yellow in fall. As the leaves drop, they reveal the unique and irregular branching patterns and pleasing silhouette of this redbud tree.
The bark of Eastern Redbud is smooth and dark brown in young trees, maturing into a slightly scaly texture with age. The inner bark reveals a striking orange hue.
This redbud tree thrives in USDA hardiness zones 4 through 9, displaying excellent cold tolerance and adaptability to a range of climates.
Eastern Redbud is moderately resistant to deer but may be browsed when young.
Eastern Redbud is non-toxic to humans and animals. Its flowers are edible and rich in vitamin C.
Eastern Redbud is not considered invasive. It self-seeds but does not aggressively spread.
The Eastern Redbud does not transplant well. It should be planted when young and left undisturbed.
Regular watering is needed during the first year. Once established, the Eastern Redbud is moderately drought-tolerant but does better with regular watering.
A balanced fertilizer can be applied in early spring if growth appears slow.
Learn more about how to grow and care for redbud trees
Eastern Redbud can be propagated by seeds, but due to their hard seed coat, they require pretreatment to break dormancy. This method is cost-effective and produces genetically diverse plants.
Propagation by cuttings ensures that new trees retain the exact characteristics of the parent tree, including flower color and growth habit.
Grafting is commonly used for cultivars with unique foliage or flower colors that do not come true from seed.
By selecting the appropriate propagation method, gardeners can successfully grow Eastern Redbud trees suited to their specific landscape needs.
Learn more about common pests and diseases affecting redbud trees
Despite its shorter lifespan, Eastern Redbud remains a beloved ornamental tree due to its beauty, wildlife benefits, and low maintenance requirements.
Eastern Redbud thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with moderate moisture. It prefers full sun to partial shade, with at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal flowering. The best location is in a sheltered spot, protected from strong winds, and away from areas prone to standing water. It grows well as an understory tree in woodland gardens, along borders, and in urban landscapes.
Yes, Eastern Redbud is an excellent ornamental tree known for its stunning early spring blooms, heart-shaped leaves, and adaptability to different growing conditions. It supports pollinators like bees and butterflies and provides food for birds. It is relatively low-maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and works well as a specimen, understory, or street tree. However, it is rather short-lived.
According to folklore, the redbud tree was once a mighty tree used to make strong timber. However, after Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus and hanged himself from a redbud, the tree became weak out of shame. Its wood is now brittle, its branches slender, and its blossoms turned from white to a sorrowful pink. While this is a legend, it has led to the redbud being associated with themes of transformation and humility.
The name “Judas Tree” is commonly associated with Cercis siliquastrum, the European relative of the Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis). The name originates from the belief that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a tree of this species after betraying Jesus. Over time, this association extended to all redbud trees, particularly those with pink flowers.
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, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Midwest, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Missouri, Nebraska, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Iowa, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma |
Tolerance | Deer, Clay Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Rain Gardens, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
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, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Midwest, Southwest, Southeast, Northeast, Missouri, Nebraska, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, Iowa, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma |
Tolerance | Deer, Clay Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Garden Uses | Beds And Borders, Rain Gardens, Wall-Side Borders |
Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden |
How many Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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