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Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)

Cercis canadensis tree in April bloom
The distichous arrangement of flower clusters along the mature branches of Cercis canadensis (eastern redbud)
The young branches of Cercis canadensis (eastern redbud)
Cercis canadensis flowers
Cercis canadensis fruit
Cercis canadensis leaves in July.
Cercis canadensis maturing legumes
Cercis canadensis tree in September

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Cercis canadensis, Eastern Redbud Copious clusters of fabulous pink to fuchsia flowers hug bare branches in early spring giving way to heart-shaped leaves. This Pea family member often grows as an understory tree in mixed forests in the Mid-Atlantic Region* from southern Pennsylvania through Virginia. The Virginia Native Plant Society named Eastern Redbud as Wildflower of the Year for 2013. Tree Spring Tree, Buds and Flowers, Seed Pods Height: 15–30 feet Spread: 20–35 feet Bloom Color: Pink to purple Characteristics Short-trunked, deciduous tree with thick spreading branches and umbrella-like crown Heart-shaped, smooth-edged leaves, 3”L x 5”W Pink to fuchsia flower clusters along bare branches appear before leaves in April and May Snow-pea-like seed pods (legumes) appear from May to December, ripening from green to brown Yellow fall foliage Smooth brown bark, later ridged and furrowed Attributes Tolerates clay soil and Black Walnut; susceptible to diseases like canker, anthracnose, verticillium wilt as well as occasional pest problems; deer occasionally-to-frequently severely damage Flowers and young seed pods said to be edible Attracts butterflies to flowers; birds & mammals to seeds; larval host for Henry’s Elfin & Io moth Growing and Maintenance Tips Soil Requirements: Average, well-drained Light Requirements: Sun, Partial Shade, Shade Water Requirements: Moist Plant young trees; deep taproots transplant poorly Keep soil moist; prune dead branches promptly Use as specimen, lawn or patio tree or naturalized Excellent Replacement for Acer ginnala & A. platanoides - Amur & Norway Maples Albizia julibrissin - Mimosa / Silk Tree Koelreuteria paniculata - Golden Raintree Paulownia tomentosa - Princess Tree Pyrus calleryana - Bradford Pear *It is native to DC. Its status in DE is historical. In VA, it is common in the mountains and the Piedmont and infrequent in the Coastal Plain. Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8 developed by Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, serving Arlington and Alexandria Images by Mary Free, Quarry Shade Garden and from Creating Inviting Habitats

Tried and True Native Plant Selections 
for the Mid-Atlantic

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Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)

Copious clusters of fabulous pink to fuchsia flowers hug bare branches in early spring giving way to heart-shaped leaves. This Pea family member often grows as an understory tree in mixed forests in the Mid-Atlantic Region* from southern Pennsylvania through Virginia. The Virginia Native Plant Society named Eastern Redbud as Wildflower of the Year for 2013.

*It is native to DC. Its status in DE is historical. In VA, it is common in the mountains and the Piedmont and infrequent in the Coastal Plain.

Learn more about other Mid-Atlantic plants: 
Tried and True Native Plant Fact Sheets