Overview
Uses: Compact Deciduous Flowering Tree
Benefits: Profuse pink rose colored blooms on bare branches in spring before leaves form! Native to Eastern America! Low maintenance!
Zones: 4 - 9
Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Life Cycle: Perennial
Mature Height: 20' - 30'
Mature Width: 25' - 35'
Bloom Season: Early to Mid Spring
Growth Rate: Moderate
Summary
This redbud has green leaves, check out our Forest Pansy Redbud if purple leaves are more your thing.
Cercis canadensis—commonly called Eastern Redbud, American Redbud, and American Judas Tree—is a compact deciduous flowering tree that's most famous for being one of the earliest and brightest bloomers of spring!
It blooms on old wood, so you're sure to have quite the spectacle during spring flowering! Our Eastern Redbuds will often provide you with blooms within the first year of delivery!
Eastern Redbud is ramiflorous, which means (unlike many other trees) that its flowers are initially produced on bare branches without any foliage. Foliage coexists and eventually takes the place of blooms as the season progresses.
Blooms are typically about 1/2" in diameter and vary in color between shades of pinks and purples!
Blooms are followed by bean-like seed pods that brown in the summer and often persist until winter.
The bark is a lovely shade of gray, and often scales on mature trees, which adds seasonal interest!
In addition to its beauty, it's also incredibly strong and hardy! In fact, it's able to withstand temperatures as low as -20°F!
Its foliage varies in shades from pale to deep greens, sometimes with hints of blue prior to shifting to golden yellows before dropping in late autumn.
Eastern Redbud is the state tree of Oklahoma!
It's native to Eastern America, and thrives in a variety of conditions! Poor soil, ice storms, and insects aren't much of a concern for Eastern Redbud!
Truly a perfect tree for so many spaces! Its smaller size, low maintenance, and bold visuals work well as a standalone specimen, a border, lining a path or driveway, or next to your porch!
Deer tend to avoid this tree.
Care
Eastern Redbud Care
Provide full sun or partial sun. Too little light will cause growth issues.
It's suggested to plant southern grown Eastern Redbuds in an area that gets some shade from the strong afternoon sun. Conversely, those grown in northern climates often benefit from as much sun as possible.
Fertilization is suggested, especially if soil is poor. Our slow release fertilizer is a great option. We recommend that fertilizer be applied in the spring.
Does best in soil that's moist, slightly acidic, and well draining. Does not thrive in dry soil, although it's known to tolerate dry soil once established.
Pruning and trimming is typically not required, although it may be done to promote desired shaping. Any heavy trimming should be done over the course of winter. Prune any dead branches as they appear.
Water regularly, especially after planting prior to establishment. Attempt to keep soil moist, but not wet. It's suggested to place 2"-3" of mulch under this plant to help retain a light degree of ground moisture and to prevent the growth of weeds around the base.
Eastern Redbuds do not transplant well once they're over a few years old.
Size
Size of Eastern Redbud for Sale Online
The Cercis canadensis that we sell online will ship in a greenhouse grade grow pot. Each plant will be appropriately sized for its pot. Please contact us with any specific questions.
Size of Eastern Redbud When Mature
Cercis canadensis often grows to be wider than tall, typically reaching mature heights of 20' - 30' and mature widths of 25' - 35'.
Additional Information
What is the botanical name of Eastern Redbud?
Its botanical name is Cercis canadensis.
Toxicity and Risks of Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis contains toxic saponins, and may be toxic if ingested in large doses.
