Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Also listed as Siliquastrum canadense
Also known as Redbud, Canada Redbud
Climate Match for your location
See how well Eastern Redbud grows in your area.
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Eastern redbud is a small native tree prized for its clusters of magenta-pink flowers that bloom directly on branches before leaves emerge in spring. Its heart-shaped foliage turns yellow in fall, and it adapts well to various soil conditions.
Why grow it
Eastern redbud offers early spring color from flowers that emerge directly on the stem before leaf-out, a feature less common among understory trees in eastern North America. It tolerates a broader range of soil pH and moisture conditions than many ornamental alternatives, making it useful where acidic or compacted soils limit other choices. The small, multi-stemmed form fits tighter spaces than larger native trees, and it supports native pollinators and seed-eating birds.
Watch out for
In colder regions at the northern edge of its range, late spring frosts can damage flower buds or young growth after a warm spell. Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during establishment; drought stress can invite canker diseases or reduce vigor. It performs best with some afternoon shade in hot, dry climates, as full sun in marginal moisture conditions may stress the plant.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Forest Pansy features deep purple heart-shaped foliage year-round; Rising Sun displays orange-to-gold new growth that matures to green; Lav+#+ Twist is a weeping form ideal for ornamental accent plantings.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Eastern redbud is a small native tree prized for its clusters of magenta-pink flowers that bloom directly on branches before leaves emerge in spring. Its heart-shaped foliage turns yellow in fall, and it adapts well to various soil conditions.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Eastern Redbud grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Eastern redbud offers early spring color from flowers that emerge directly on the stem before leaf-out, a feature less common among understory trees in eastern North America. It tolerates a broader range of soil pH and moisture conditions than many ornamental alternatives, making it useful where acidic or compacted soils limit other choices. The small, multi-stemmed form fits tighter spaces than larger native trees, and it supports native pollinators and seed-eating birds.
Watch out for
In colder regions at the northern edge of its range, late spring frosts can damage flower buds or young growth after a warm spell. Young trees benefit from consistent moisture during establishment; drought stress can invite canker diseases or reduce vigor. It performs best with some afternoon shade in hot, dry climates, as full sun in marginal moisture conditions may stress the plant.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Fabaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Eastern North America
Native to: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Forest Pansy features deep purple heart-shaped foliage year-round; Rising Sun displays orange-to-gold new growth that matures to green; Lav+#+ Twist is a weeping form ideal for ornamental accent plantings.