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.

Description

Height: 20-30 ft.
Width: 25-35 ft.
Shape: Rounded/Pyramidal
Flower Color: Deep Pink-Purple
Flowering Time: April-May
Fall Color: Yellow
Features: Showy spring flowers, heart-shaped leaves, attractive fall color
Exposure: Full Sun to Part Shade
Watering: Moderate & Regular
Soil: Prefers moderately rich, moist, and well-drained soil
Growth Rate: Moderate
USDA Zones: 4-8
Uses: Shade tree, street tree, lawn tree, accent tree, woodland landscapes
Similar Trees: Forest Pansy Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’), The Rising Sun Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘JN2’), Appalachian Red Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Appalachian Red’), Ace of Hearts Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Ace of Hearts’), Lavender Twist® Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’)

Additional information

Shape

Pyramidal, Rounded

Flower Color

Deep Pink, Purple

Flowering Time

April, May

Fall Color

Yellow

Growth Rate

Moderate

Uses

Accent Tree, Lawn Tree, Shade Tree, Street Tree, Woodland Landscapes

USDA Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Mature Height

20'-30'

Mature Width

20'-30'

Exposure

Full Sun, Partial Shade

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