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Mexican Redbud Cercis canadensis var. mexicana

Previously known as:

  • Cercis canadensis ssp. mexicana
  • Cercis mexicana
Phonetic Spelling
SER-sis kan-ah-DEN-sis
Description

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.

More information on Cercis canadensis.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#nectar plant#fall interest#flowering tree#specialized bees#pollinator plant#edible garden#deciduous tree#compact habit#bee friendly#compact#wet soils intolerant#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#deciduous#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#nectar plant#fall interest#flowering tree#specialized bees#pollinator plant#edible garden#deciduous tree#compact habit#bee friendly#compact#wet soils intolerant#wildlife friendly
  • 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.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Rounded
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    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 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    The stems are thicker and more rigid than species. Grows in a multi-stemmed form.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Lawn
    Naturalized Area
    Patio
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Drought Tolerant 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