Afghanistan Redbud Cercis griffithii
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- SER-sis GRIF-ith-ee-eye
- Description
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This species is not widely available nor is it recommended for NC gardens. Please consider planting Cercis canadensis and its cultivars.
Commonly called Afghan redbud, this upright deciduous tree is in the Fabaceae (bean) family. 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 of drier climates and sandy or gritty loam, Afghan redbud can be found in the wild in only a few locations that include dry stony slopes in semi-desert conditions. It is considered to be endangered in these native locations. Much of the habitat destruction is caused by the establishment of orchards and vineyards as well as urban expansion, grazing, and illegal harvesting.
The blooms of this variety of redbud persist longer than other species. The flowers are edible, and have a sour, but pleasant taste.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This tree is a favorite of deer and can suffer from damage.
- 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:
- griffithii
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia
- Wildlife Value:
- Attractive to butterflies, birds, and bees. The flowers provide nectar for bees and once pollinated form leguminous pods, the seed can be consumed by birds. Members of the genus Cercis support the following specialized bee: Habropoda laboriosa.
- Edibility:
- The flowers are edible with a sour taste.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 12 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:
- Erect
- Spreading
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- 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:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Available Space To Plant:
- 6-feet-12 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Fruit Type:
- Legume
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Long Bloom Season
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Dense clusters of purple/pink flowers that emerge in early spring before the foliage. The flowers will form and emerge on both the branches and the trunk of the tree.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Cordate
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Cordate leaf, alternate arrangement. 3-4" leaf blade, rounded margins, yellowish fall color.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Patio
- Slope/Bank
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Drought Tolerant Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rock Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Barrier
- Border
- Flowering Tree
- Screen/Privacy
- Small Tree
- Specimen
- Attracts:
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
- Dry Soil
