Redbud Cercis canadensis var. canadensis
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Redbud:
- Phonetic Spelling
- SER-sis kan-ah-DEN-sis vah-RYE-eh-tee kan-ah-DEN-sis
- Description
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Eastern redbud is a native to North Carolina in the Fabaceae (bean) family, usually found as an understory tree in mixed forests as well as along streams, river banks, woodland edges and open woodlands. 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.
It grows best in moist, well-drained soil in part shade to part sun. However, the eastern redbud has proven to be very adaptable to different soils, full sun, and dry areas. If grown in wet soils it is prone to root rot.
Its flowers bloom early in the spring before the leaves emerge. The flower can range from pink/purple to dark rose/purple and occasionally white.
The eastern redbud is most well known for its beautiful flowers early in the spring. The heart-shaped leaves and zigzagging young stems give it a distinct appearance among trees. It is a great choice as a small tree for tight spaces.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Wet sites can lead to root rot. This variety is relatively short-lived. Insects that may damage the plant include caterpillars, web worms, moths and leaf folder.
VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cercis
- Species:
- canadensis var. canadensis
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Root Cutting
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Eastern and Central North America
- Distribution:
- AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, WV
- Fire Risk Rating:
- low flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- The flowers provide nectar for bees and once pollinated form leguminous pods, the seed can be consumed by birds. Leaf cutter bees use the leaves to line their nests. Members of the genus Cercis support the following specialized bee: Habropoda laboriosa. Butterflies, moths, insects and birds browse the plant.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Buffer
- Colorful
- Screening
- Wildlife Food Source
- Wildlife Larval Host
- Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
- fire in the landscape.
- Edibility:
- This plant is a member of Fabaceae, the same family that peas belong to. Some parts of this plant are edible, for example, the flowers taste like peas and make an excellent addition to a spring salad. It is said that people in the Appalachian Mountains use young stems to season venison while cooking.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Native Plant
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Erect
- Multi-stemmed
- Rounded
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- Medium
- Texture:
- Coarse
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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:
- 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:
- 4a, 4b, 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Red/Burgundy
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Fruit Type:
- Legume
- Fruit Length:
- 1-3 inches
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruits are small, flattened pods with small flat seeds. They range from 2-3 in. pods that are borne in clusters. Displays from June to November.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Star
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Reddish-purple, rosy-pink pea-like flowers emerge in clusters before the foliage in early spring directly on stems and trunk. Blooms from March to May.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Purple/Lavender
- Variegated
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Smooth
- Soft
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Orange
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- Yes
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Thin and papery, dull green, 3-5 in. alternate, simple, cordate leaves. Yellow to yellowish-orange fall color. Cultivars include purple, golden and variegated foliage types. The underside can be slightly hairy.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Brown
- Red/Burgundy
- Surface/Attachment:
- Fissured
- Ridges
- Scaly
- Bark Description:
- The maroon-like, dark-colored bark is smooth when young, becoming scaly with ridges as the tree ages.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gray/Silver
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Zig Zags
- Stem Description:
- The stems appear almost black and spotted with lighter pores.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Naturalized Area
- Recreational Play Area
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Children's Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Shade Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Barrier
- Border
- Flowering Tree
- Screen/Privacy
- Small groups
- Specimen
- Understory Tree
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Dry Soil
