Cercis racemosa
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- SER-sis ray-see-MO-suh
- 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.
Introduced in 1907 by E. H. Wilson, Cercis racemosa, or Chain-flowered Redbud is distinct from any other Redbuds in having long racemes of flowers which can be up to 4 inches long and contain upwards of 40 pale pink to lavender flowers. These long racemes make Cercis racemosa distinct from other species. In addition, the downy character of the young wood, as well as leaf and flower stalk markings are distinctive in this species.
It is easily grown in any rich, well-drained soil in a sunny to a partially shaded spot. The flowers provide nectar for bees and once pollinated, form leguminous pods, the seeds can be consumed by birds. Trees will grow to about 25 feet tall (occasionally taller) and wide and tend to have a very open habit. The foliage is the typical heart shape of the rest of the genus. Grow this plant in full sun to part shade in moist soils. It is best adapted to warmer climates.
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.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This tree can suffer from damage caused by deer. Failure to protect from temperatures lower than -5 degrees F may lead to flower bud kill and stem injury. Cold damage will also make the plant more susceptible to damage from insects and diseases.
- 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:
- racemosa
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Southern & Central China
- Wildlife Value:
- 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.
- Play Value:
- Attracts Pollinators
- Buffer
- Shade
- Wildlife Food Source
- Wildlife Larval Host
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Tree
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Rounded
- 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:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Fruit Type:
- Legume
- Fruit Length:
- > 3 inches
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The brown/tan seed pod is wide, flat and glabrous. They will grow to 3-4" long and 3/4" wide.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Pink
- Purple/Lavender
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Raceme
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Shape:
- Lipped
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Light pink to silver/rose/purple flowers are produced in mid-spring, in 2-4"-long, pendulous chains of 20-40 flowers, resembling wisteria in appearance. Flower color is not as vivid as other redbud types.
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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 Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Light green to blue-green, heart-shaped leaves. Young leaves have glaucous undersides with purplish veins.
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Bark:
- Bark Color:
- Dark Gray
- Light Brown
- Surface/Attachment:
- Smooth
- Bark Description:
- Larger branches are gray to sandy-brown. Smooth, gray bark on older trees.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Lawn
- Landscape Theme:
- Cottage Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Specimen
- Street Tree
- Attracts:
- Bees
- Butterflies
- Pollinators
- Songbirds
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Drought
