This species is not widely available nor is it recommended for NC gardens. Please consider planting Cercis canadensis and its cultivars. Commonly called Afghan redbud, this upright deciduous tree is in the Fabaceae (bean) family. 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. In its native habitat of drier climates and sandy or gritty loam, Afghan redbud can be found in the wild in only a few locations that include dry stony slopes in semi-desert conditions. It is considered to be endangered in these native locations. Much of the habitat destruction is caused by the establishment of orchards and vineyards as well as urban expansion, grazing, and illegal harvesting. The blooms of this variety of redbud persist longer than other species. The flowers are edible, and have a sour, but pleasant taste. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This tree is a favorite of deer and can suffer from damage.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Dense clusters of purple/pink flowers that emerge in early spring before the foliage. The flowers will form and emerge on both the branches and the trunk of the tree.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit type
Legume
Fruit value
Showy
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia
Wildlife value
Attractive to butterflies, birds, and bees. 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.
Attracts
Pollinators; Songbirds; Specialized Bees
Food & Medicine
Edible parts
Flowers
Fruit type
Legume
Edibility
The flowers are edible with a sour taste.
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Lawn; Patio; Slope/Bank
Landscape theme
Butterfly Garden; Drought Tolerant Garden; Pollinator Garden; Rock Garden
Design feature
Accent; Barrier; Border; Flowering Tree; Screen/Privacy; Small Tree; Specimen