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Cercis canadensis var. canadensis is often confused with:
Cercis chinensis Cercis chinensis
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Cornus florida Cornus florida
Acer rubrum Acer rubrum
Robinia pseudoacacia Robinia pseudoacacia
Cercis canadensis var. canadensis has some other problems:
White-Tailed Deer

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

Cercis canadensis var. canadensis or eastern redbud is a native to NC, usually found as an understory tree in mixed forests. 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.

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.

See these other varieties:

References:

Dirr, M.A., (1998), Manual of Woody Landscape Plants Fifth Edition, pgs 253-259.

http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ceca4

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.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#weeping#bees#purple#gold#deciduous#small tree#small spaces#drought tolerant#wildlife plant#nectar plant#shelter#playground#specialized bees#food source#cpp#low flammability#children's garden#fire resistant#pollinator plant#food source summer#food source fall#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#coastal UPL#food source hard mast fruit#Piedmont Mountains FACU#audubon
 
Cercis canadensis
Form Lambique CC BY-SA 3.0
Cercis canadensis
Fruits- dry, brown bean pods Lambique CC BY-SA 3.0
In bloom in the forest
In bloom in the forest Tom-Potterfield CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#weeping#bees#purple#gold#deciduous#small tree#small spaces#drought tolerant#wildlife plant#nectar plant#shelter#playground#specialized bees#food source#cpp#low flammability#children's garden#fire resistant#pollinator plant#food source summer#food source fall#food source herbage#food source nectar#food source pollen#coastal UPL#food source hard mast fruit#Piedmont Mountains FACU#audubon
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Cercis
    Species:
    canadensis var. canadensis
    Family:
    Fabaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    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. Leafcutter bees use the leaves to line their nests. Members of the genus Cercis support the following specialized bee: Habropoda laboriosa.
    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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Native Plant
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Multi-stemmed
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    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 Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    4a, 4b, 5b, 5a, 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8a, 8b, 9b, 9a
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Fruit Type:
    Legume
    Fruit Length:
    1-3 inches
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    2-3 in. brown seed pods borne in clusters. Displays from June to November.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    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.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Variegated
    Leaf Feel:
    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:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    3-5 in. alternate, simple, cordate leaf; yellow to yellowish orange fall color; cultivars include purple, golden and variegated foliage types
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Recreational Play Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Children's Garden
    Native Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Flowering Tree
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Specialized Bees