Cercis canadensis
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Tried and True Recommended by 9 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: eastern redbud
Type: Tree
Family: Fabaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Native Range: North and Central America
Garden Location: Martha Love Symington Missouri Native Shade Garden
Height: 20 to 30 feet
Spread: 25 to 35 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Description: Pink
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Leaves: Good Fall Color
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Clay Soil, Black Walnuts, Deer
Uses: Flowering Tree, Street Tree, Will Naturalize

Culture

The best environment for redbud is full sun to light shade with moist well-drained deep soil. It is adaptable to other soil types but will not grow well in permanently wet or poorly drained soil. Since this tree does not transplant easily, it should be planted when young. It is best to buy redbuds from local sources as trees from other areas may not be cold-hardy in your region.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Redbuds are best known for their pink pea-like flowers which bloom profusely on bare branches and even mature trunks. Its heart shaped leaves are 3-5" across and may turn an attractive yellow in fall. Its fruits are brown flat pods about 2-3" long. The trunk of this small tree usually has branches close to the ground resulting in a spreading, flat-topped to rounded crown.

Problems

Redbuds are subject to damage by insect pests such as tree hoppers, caterpillars, scale, and leafhoppers. Diseases include Verticillium wilt, leaf spots, and the worst disease, canker. Keeping the tree vigorous by regular watering and fertilization and by pruning out dead branches will help keep the tree healthy.

Garden Uses

Redbud is an attractive tree in many situations including a specimen tree, the shrub border, or as a street or lawn tree in residential areas. It is especially attractive in group plantings or in naturalized settings.

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