Redbud, Eastern

Recommended Spacing (ft)	12 - 20
Mature Width (ft)	15 - 35
Mature Height (ft)	20 - 30
Annual Growth Rate (in)	13 - 24
Sun Preference	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Soil Type	Slightly Acidic, Loamy, Sandy
Soil Moisture	Moist, Well-drained

Cercis canadensis, commonly called eastern redbud, is a deciduous, often multi-trunked understory tree with a rounded crown that typically matures to 20-30’ tall with a slightly larger spread. It is particularly noted for its stunning pea-like rose-purple flowers which bloom profusely on bare branches in early spring (March-April) before the foliage emerges. This tree is native to eastern and central North America from Connecticut to New York to southern Ontario and the Great Lakes south to Western Texas and Florida. It is found in open woodlands, thickets, woodland margins, limestone glades and along rocky streams and bluffs throughout Missouri (Steyermark). Flowers (to ½” wide) bloom in clusters of 4-10. Flowers are followed by flattened leguminous bean-like dry seedpods (to 2-4” long) that mature to brown in summer. Each pod has 6-12 seeds. Pods may remain on the tree into winter. Alternate, simple, cordate, broadly ovate to nearly orbicular, dull green to blue-green leaves (3-5” across) have a papery texture and are short-pointed at the tip. Leaves turn pale yellow to greenish-yellow in fall. Cercis canadensis is the state tree of Oklahoma.

 

Canker can be a significant disease problem. Verticillium wilt, dieback, leaf spots, mildew, and blights may also occur. Insect pests include Japanese beetles, tree hoppers, leaf hoppers, caterpillars, borers, webworms, and scale. Keeping the tree vigorous by regular watering, fertilization, and pruning out dead branches as needed will help keep the tree healthy. Deer tend to avoid this plant.