Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)

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.