Cercis canadensis subsp. texensis

Texas redbud is a flowering, deciduous, multi-stemmed small tree in the bean family (Fabaceae). As the common name implies, it is native to central Texas up to southern Oklahoma. In the wild, plants generally appear singly, but they can form groups or thickets in riparian areas. The genus name Cercis comes from the Greek word kerkis, which means weaver's shuttle, referring to the fact that the seed pod resembles the size and shape of a weaver's shuttle used to move thread back and forth on a loom.

Texas redbud grows best in full sun to partial shade and on thin, calcareous, well-drained soils. It can grow in any type of soil as long as it is not acidic and is well drained, even occasionally dry. Reaching 25 to 30 feet in height and 15 to 25 feet in width, it is smaller and more drought tolerant than its eastern relative. In North Carolina, plant the eastern North America subspecies, as it is better suited to our hot humid summers. Propagate Texas redbud by seed. 

It has showy, dark wine-red flowers that appear on bare stems in early spring and attract pollinators, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The seed pods are a food source for songbirds. Plant the tree as a specimen in a pollinator, butterfly, children’s, or drought-tolerant garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Susceptible to caterpillars and scales. Crown rot, phytophthora, and root rot can also be a problem. It is resistant to armillaria. This tree can suffer from damage caused by deer.

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

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