Eastern Redbud

(Cercis canadensis)

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cercis canadensis, commonly known as Eastern Redbud, is a deciduous tree or shrub native to the central and eastern United States and the Eastern Sierra Madres of Mexico. It thrives in forested areas and is characterized by its short, often twisted trunk and spreading branches. The Eastern Redbud typically grows to a height of 6–9 m (20–30 ft) with a spread of 8–10 m (26–33 ft). Its bark is dark, smooth, and later becomes scaly with somewhat apparent ridges. The twigs are slender, nearly black, and spotted with lighter lenticels. The winter buds are tiny, rounded, and dark red to chestnut in color.

The Eastern Redbud is notable for its showy, light to dark magenta pink flowers that appear in clusters from spring to early summer, often on bare stems before the leaves, and sometimes even on the trunk itself. In cultivation, it generally does best in full sun or part shade, with low amounts of water, and in soils with medium or slow drainage. It is often grown in parks and gardens, with several cultivars available. However, it is difficult to grow in arid areas west of western Kansas and Colorado due to insufficient rainfall.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Trees
  • Height: 20-30 feet
  • Width: 25-35 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: Pink
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Fire Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Forest edges, open woodlands, riparian areas,slopes and rocky outcrops

Other Names

Common Names: Judas Tree , Redbud , Judastree , Love-Tree , Merlot Redbud , Bagryannik Kanadski , Tzertzis Kanadski , Amerikanskt Judasträd

Scientific Names: Cercis canadensis , Cercis canadensis f. canadensis , Cercis canadensis var. typica , Siliquastrum canadense

GBIF Accepted Name: Cercis canadensis L.