Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'Oklahoma'

‘Oklahoma’ redbud is a woody, deciduous, perennial shrub or tree in the Fabacese (bean) family that was found growing in the wild in 1964 in Oklahoma. It has a dense, rounded crown and can grow 12 to 18 feet in height and 15 to 20 feet in width. The genus name Cercis comes from the Greek word kerkis which means weaver’s shuttle, referring to the seed pod’s resemblance to the size and shape of a weaver’s shuttle which is used to move thread back and forth on a loom. The name redbud comes from its inner bark that bears a reddish color.

It grows best in all soil types that have good drainage. Avoid wet or poorly drained soils. Plant in full sun to partial shade. It does not transplant well, so choose your location carefully. 

‘Oklahoma’ redbud has spectacular royal purple, pea-like flowers that emerge in early spring before the foliage appears. Perhaps its best trait is the thick glossy leaves that appear to be polished each day. The shiny leaves draw attention to the tree, even by those unaccustomed to noticing trees.

This redbud is very adaptable in North Carolina landscapes and considered by some to be a “must-have” small flowering tree. It is excellent for planting in lawns, woodland gardens, or in naturalized areas. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Japanese beetles, treehoppers, leafhoppers, caterpillars, borers, webworms, and scale. Canker is a significant disease problem while verticillium wilt, leaf spots, mildew, and blights are less frequent. This tree can suffer damage caused by deer.  

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

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