Eastern redbud

Plant Type

Small Tree/Large Shrub (10-25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

Up to 30 ft. tall
20-35 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Deer

Inolerant of

Dry Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Collect seeds when they are dry and brown. Scarify seeds and plant outdoor in the fall. Requires cold stratification for 3-60 days.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds, Supports numerous caterpillars (bird food)

Leaves

Deciduous, simple, alternate, cordata (heart-shaped) leaves. Green in the summer, yellow in the fall. 3-5 inches long and wide.

Flowers

Showy pink blooms in the spring. Flowers before leaves return.

Fruit

Green fruit in the summer, fade to brown in the fall. Produces a legume seed pond containing around 9 seeds per mod. Ponds are 2-4 inches long.

Bark

Smooth, scaly dark brown bark.

Edibility

Flowers are edible and have a pea flower-like taste.

USDA Hardiness Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Woods, stream banks

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , MI , MO , MS , NC , NE , NJ , NM , NY , OH , OK , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WV

Subspecies

Cercis canadensis var. canadensis, Cercis canadensis var. mexicana, Cercis canadensis var. texensis