Mexican Redbud Cercis canadensis var. mexicana
Previously known as:
- Cercis canadensis ssp. mexicana
- Cercis mexicana
- Phonetic Spelling
- SER-sis kan-ah-DEN-sis
- Description
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This variety is not widely available nor is it recommended for NC gardens. Please consider planting Cercis canadensis and its cultivars.
Mexican redbud is a woody, deciduous, perennial shrub or tree in the Fabaceae (bean) family that can grow 11 to 15 feet high and 11 to 15 feet wide. It has a dense rounded crown. This redbud is native to southwest Texas to northeastern Mexico. The genus name Cercis comes from the Greek word kerkis which means weaver’s shuttle, referring to the seed pod resembling the size and shape of a weaver’s shuttle which is used to move thread back and forth on a loom. The common name redbud comes from its inner bark that bears a reddish color.
It grows best in all types of soil, including shallow rocky areas, that have good drainage and are occasionally dry. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Propagation is recommended by seed or stem cutting.
There has been much debate over the distinction between Cercis canadensis var. mexicana and Cercis canadensis var. texensis. Morphologically, the two varieties are very similar and are often distinguished from one another based on geographic distribution. More often than not, the leaf blade of var. mexicana exhibits an undulate margin whereas the leaf blade of var. texensis is typically flat.
Plant Mexican redbud in areas of the landscape where its showy, pea-like spring flowers will be enjoyed. It does well in butterfly, pollinator, native, and drought tolerant garden themes. Mexican redbud does well with numerous design themes and attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Leaf cutter bees can damage the foliage. Root rot and stem rot can appear on trees grown in moist or poorly drained soils. This tree can suffer from damage caused by deer. The falling seed pods can create a litter problem.
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
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- South West Texas to North Eastern Mexico
- Distribution:
- TX
- Fire Risk Rating:
- medium flammability
- Wildlife Value:
- Larval host to Henry's Elfin butterfly. Attractive to native bees and bumble bees.
- Play Value:
- Attractive Flowers
- Attracts Pollinators
- Colorful
- Screening
- Wildlife Larval Host
- Dimensions:
- Height: 11 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 11 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Shrub
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Dense
- Rounded
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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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
- Shallow Rocky
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Occasionally Dry
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Type:
- Legume
- Fruit Length:
- > 3 inches
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is a legume that appears green and turns to brown as it ages.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Red, pea-like flowers in clusters in early spring.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Gray/Silver
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leathery
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Reniform
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Undulate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- 2-6 in. alternate, simple, dark silvery/green, leathery leaves with undulating margins; develops glossy appearance with age. Thicker cuticle allows for greater drought tolerance than C. canadensis.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Description:
- The stems are thicker and more rigid than species. Grows in a multi-stemmed form.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Naturalized Area
- Patio
- Woodland
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Barrier
- Border
- Flowering Tree
- Foundation Planting
- Small groups
- Small Tree
- Specimen
- Understory Tree
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Drought
- Dry Soil
- Heat
- Poor Soil
