Pata De Vaca Cercis canadensis var. orbiculata
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Pata De Vaca:
Previously known as:
- Cercis occidentalis var. orbiculata
- Cercis orbiculata
- Phonetic Spelling
- SER-sis kan-a-DEN-sis or-bick-yoo-LAY-tuh
- Description
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A small flowering tree in the pea family. It is found on the slopes and foothills of the southwestern U.S. It has beautiful green leaves attractive flowers and showy seedpods. Native Americans highly valued this plant for its red young branches. This plant is frequently browsed by deer.
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
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Native Americans make bows from the wood and baskets from the young stems.
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- SW U.S.A.
- Wildlife Value:
- Nectar from the flowers attracts butterflies and bees.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Wildlife Food Source
- Dimensions:
- Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 15 ft. 0 in. - 25 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Vase
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Occasionally Dry
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Fruit Description:
- Seed is in the form of pod
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Lipped
- Flower Petals:
- fused petals
- Flower Description:
- Early spring showy pea-like flowers appear
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Hairs Present:
- No
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Bark:
- Surface/Attachment:
- Smooth
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Recreational Play Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Children's Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Flowering Tree
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Songbirds
