Golden Falls redbud

cercis canadensis (SER-sis kan-a-DEN-sis)

Family: Fabaceae Unknown Shrub (3-15 ft)

Golden Falls® is a cultivar of the native redbud tree in the Fabaceae (bean) family. It was created by Dennis J. Werner of North Carolina State University by crossing two cultivars, 'Covey' (weeping, green leaf) and 'Hearts of Gold' (non-weeping, gold leaf) to create a weeping gold-leaf tree. The selected offspring was given the cultivar name 'NC2015-12' and marketed as Golden Falls®. Golden Falls shows a distinct weeping growth habit with tree height being dictated by tree pruning and training practices. Typically, the central leader of the tree is trained to a support stake in the production nursery to a prescribed height, usually around 5-6 feet, at which point the growth past this height, and all lateral shoots will immediately demonstrate weeping behavior. Redbuds will grow in full sun to part shade, are pH tolerant and do well in moist average well-draining soils. Redbuds in general do not transplant well so choose your site carefully. The leaves are yellow-green (gold) with maximum leaf color being expressed early to mid-season, and declines as summer temperatures increase after mid-July. Flowers are produced abundantly in spring before leaf-out and are light purple. Use this dramatic tree as a specimen, accent or in small areas as patios or even containers. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Generally few problems.. Insect pests include leafhoppers, caterpillars, borers, Japanese beetles, treehoppers, scale, and webworms. Possible diseases include canker, dieback, leaf spots, verticillium wilt, blights, and mildew. It can be a short-lived plant, typically living less than 75 years. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens. More information on Cercis canadensis .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 65 attributes.