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Cercis canadensis 'Flame Thrower'

Phonetic Spelling
SER-sis kan-a-DEN-sis
Description

'Flame Thrower' is a cultivar of the native redbud tree in the bean (Fabaceae) family created by Dennis J. Werner of North Carolina State University. It is a cross of two cultivars, 'The Rising Sun (non-weeping, gold-leaf) and NC2006-14 (weeping, purple leaf). Patented under 'NC2016-2.'

'Flame Thrower' shows a slight pendant growth habit but is classified as non-weeping. Leaves show a dynamic transition of color change from the time of leaf emergence and throughout the growing season. Leaves emerge purple and quickly turn to red as they expand. As an individual leaf matures, it transitions from purple to red to reddish-bronze and ultimately yellow-green. Because all leaves are in different stages of development at any particular point in time, the tree displays a dynamic mix of colors, especially during stages of active growth. Maximal variable leaf color is expressed early to mid-season, and declines as summer temperatures increase after mid-July. Flowers are abundant, appearing in clusters in spring before leaf-out. The tree will grow 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide.

Redbuds will grow in full sun to part shade, are pH tolerant and do well in moist average well-draining soils. Use as a specimen, accent or understory tree. Great for small yards. Redbuds in general do not transplant well so choose your site carefully.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Insect pests include leafhoppers, caterpillars, borers, Japanese beetles, treehoppers, scale, and webworms. Possible diseases include canker, dieback, leaf spots, verticillium wilt, blights, and mildew. It can be a short-lived tree, typically living less than 75 years.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Cercis canadensis.

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Tags:
#showy flowers#small spaces#specimen#purple flowers#showy leaves#spring flowers#flowering tree#nci#showstopper#deciduous tree#nectar plant early spring#bee friendly#host plant#pollinator garden#accent
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#small spaces#specimen#purple flowers#showy leaves#spring flowers#flowering tree#nci#showstopper#deciduous tree#nectar plant early spring#bee friendly#host plant#pollinator garden#accent
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    cercis
    Species:
    canadensis
    Family:
    Fabaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Wildlife Value:
    12 species of Lepidoptera use this tree as a larval host plant. Host plant for Henry's Elfin butterfly. Caterpillars appear from February to May and have one flight. Bees will visit the flowers for nectar and pollen. Birds will eat the seeds
    Dimensions:
    Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 11 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Multi-trunked
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Blue
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Fruit Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Showy
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Legume
    Fruit Length:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Description:
    In summer through fall and even winter, this plant has green turning to brown, flat, oblong seedpods (with about 5-9 seeds per pod) which are about 2 to 4 inches long.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Shape:
    Lipped
    Flower Petals:
    fused petals
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Pea-shaped light purple flowers appear in clusters in April before leaf-out and grow directly on new and old stems. Individual flowers are 1/2 inch across
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Cordate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Simple, alternate heart-shaped leaves, 3 to 5.5 inches long and wide, with smooth, entire margins. Bases are cordate, acute apex, with swelling on petioles just underneath the leaf plate. 7 palmate veins extend from the leaf base. Leaves transition from purple to red to reddish-bronze and ultimately yellow-green. Attractive yellow fall color.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Black
    Dark Brown
    Orange
    Surface/Attachment:
    Scaly
    Bark Description:
    Dark brown to black with orange inner bark that can be visible. Smooth when young, but developing long, narrow plates that separate into scales as the tree matures.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Black
    Brown/Copper
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Zig Zags
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    Slender, glabrous, dark reddish brown to black, zig-zag, spreading and ascending.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Patio
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Children's Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Flowering Tree
    Small Tree
    Specimen
    Understory Tree
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Black Walnut
    Deer