Pata De Vaca Cercis orbiculata

This species is not widely available nor is it recommended for NC gardens. Please consider planting Cercis canadensis and its cultivars.

Western redbud is a small, flowering tree or shrub in the Fabaceae (bean) family. In its native habitat, it is found on the dry slopes on coast ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills in the southwestern United States, as well as along stream banks, canyons, and yellow-pine forests. It is frequently seen in the Grand Canyon. 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. 

Western redbud reaches 15 to 25 feet high and wide. It grows in full sun to partial shade and in all types of soil, moist to occasionally dry. However, it prefers the soil to be neutral to slightly alkaline. Needing a winter chill before the flowers set properly, a location with four seasons is necessary. If planted where it does not have the four seasons, it may not go into dormancy, or may not come out of dormancy. If you live in a location that doesn't experience frost, this specimen is not for you.

The bark and young shoots have been used in making basketry by indigenous societies. Native Americans used the wood to make bows and highly valued this plant for its red young branches.  

Plant western redbud in a naturalized area, on a slope or bank, or beside a walkway or patio. It works well as a specimen or accent, as well as in a mass planting in the back of a border, or as a flowering screen. Use it in a pollinator, butterfly, children’s, or native garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Scale and blight are occasional problems. 

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