Chinese Redbud Cercis chinensis

The Chinese redbud is native to the woodlands of central and southern China. The genus name Cercis comes from the Greek word kerkis which means weaver's shuttle, referring to the fact that the seed pod resembles the size and shape of a weaver's shuttle used to move thread back and forth on a loom. 

In its native habitat, this plant acts as a woody tree that will grow up to 50 feet, however, due to differing conditions in the United States it generally grows as an open shrub that will reach 8 to 15 feet in height. It is similar in appearance to the Cercis canadensis which is native to North America. It generally produces slightly larger purplish flowers, will end up growing to a shorter height than its North American counterpart and have longer seed pods.

The flowers on both species of redbud bloom in very early Spring for around 2 to 3 weeks, producing a brilliant display of clustering purple-pink flowers. After the flowering season, desirable medium-sized, heart-shaped leaves are produced. These leaves are bright green but do not have exemplary color in the fall and will at best turn yellow. Also of interest, this tree produces flat, bean-like seed pods which mature in late summer.

Developing a deep tap root, this tree is difficult to relocate. Choose the correct location when planting. Most forms are multi-stemmed shrubs, however single trunk cultivars like 'Don Egolf' do exist. 'Don Egolf' is also noted for being shorter than many other C. chinensis varieties and for being sterile, as such it will not produce seed pods.

Plant in well-drained soil with medium moisture and not too much clay. This attractive shrub or small tree works well in shrub borders, planted in small groups or as a specimen, in a woodland garden or naturalized area. It can also be grown in a larger container and withstands the demands of being planted in a lawn or used as a street tree in urban areas.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  It is not winter hardy and can die back after a hard frost. Prefers protection from afternoon sun in hot climates.  

Family name Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Quick ID Hints:

• Multi-stemmed shrub with heart-shaped leaves
• Pea-like flowers borne in bunches on twigs/ old wood
• Fruit is flat 'bean' pod
• leaves 5-palmate veins, entire, reticulate

Deciduous shrub to 10', flat-topped to rounded.

Blooms in early spring; shrub-like with several trunks, (compare to C. canadensis :tree-like with 1 or 2 main trunks); flowers are usually larger and darker purple than C. canadensis. 

PH adaptable; tolerant of full sun or part shade; tolerant of clay or sandy soil; intolerant of heat/drought stress; intolerant of wet soils; pest/disease problems.