Eastern Redbud

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

Family: Fabaceae Native Understory (15-40 ft)

Eastern redbud is a deciduous, ornamental tree in the bean family (Fabaceae). It is native to eastern North America and may grow up to 20 to 30 feet tall and 20 to 35 feet wide. It is a small tree that is often found growing beneath taller trees. 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. The tree is pH adaptable and can tolerate full sun or part shade and moderately fertile clay or sandy soil. It does not tolerate heat or drought, which can stress the tree, or wet soils. It does not tolerate root disturbance, so plants should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible and should be kept well-watered until established. Because its branches tend to break, the tree should be sited in a relatively protected area. Regular watering, fertilization, and pruning out dead branches as needed will keep the tree vigorous. Eastern redbud is a flowering tree that blooms before the leaves appear. In early spring, clusters of rose pink to light purple flowers mature and attract many pollinators, including butterflies, and bees. Members of the genus Cercis support the specialized bee Habropoda laboriosa . The plant holds great wildlife value as a larval host plant. Plant this tree as a specimen in a pollinator garden, as an understory tree in a wooded landscape, in small groups, or mass planted for a dramatic springtime effect. It may also be planted as a street or lawn tree but is very sensitive to herbicides and chemicals sprayed on lawns. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant 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 Elisabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ Reconciled to full toolbox: matched by slug to slug 'cercis-canadensis'. Identity (id/common/scientific name) preserved from the original 87-plant Hunnicutt set; attribute data refreshed from the 75-attribute toolbox scrape.