Cercis canadensis -Eastern Redbud

Botanical Name: Cercis canadensis

The Eastern Redbud is a small, low maintenance, vase-shaped, deciduous tree which matures to a more rounded, pyramidal form as it ages. This stunning spring bloomer grows to a height of 20-30 feet tall and 25-35 feet wide. It originates in the eastern area of North America.

The gray bark on the Eastern Redbud is smooth on juvenile trees and then ridged on mature trees. The small flowers emerge and cover the branches in spring or sometimes early summer.  They are a deep magenta-pink and create a striking display.

The heart-shaped leaves emerge as the blooms are fading. They are light green and tinged with red and mature to a deeper, slightly blue-green color. The leaves measure approximately 3-4 inches in width. The flowers are followed by long seed pods that look similar to pea pods and hang from the branches. These are green and develop into a deep brown by the end of the summer.

This versatile tree is useful in small landscapes as well as a street tree or as a small shade tree. It integrates well into Pacific Northwest gardens and complements Japanese Maples, bringing medium-textured foliage to landscapes. It also works well in woodland gardens.

The Eastern Redbud is not usually attractive to deer. It can be susceptible to Verticillium Wilt when the soil is too wet.