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cercis canadensis
The Eastern Redbud is a relatively small landscape tree, reaching a mature height between 20’ – 40’. Native to most of the eastern United States, west to Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, the Redbud is highly valued for the numerous flowers it produces each spring. Pink, or white, flowers develop on the branches and trunk before the leaves of the Redbud emerge.
Although Redbud trees grow naturally as understory trees they can be planted in full sun as well. The Redbud can also tolerate a variety of soil types, but prefers moist, well drained soils.
The Redbud develops a broad, vase-shape canopy as it matures, so it should be planted where it has adequate room to grow. Weeping varieties are available and can be planted in tighter areas and closer to buildings.
Redbud leaves are typically green, broad, and heart-shaped. Fall color is not spectacular, as the leaves quickly go from a blotchy yellow to brown.
Several varieties of Redbud have been cultivated including:
- ‘Forest Pansy’, which forms burgundy leaves in the spring that gradually become more greenish as the summer progresses.
- ‘Alba’, which is a naturally occurring white flowering variety of Redbud.
- ‘Oklahoma’, which has thick, glossy leaves and can withstand being planted in drier, sunny sites.
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