Cercis canadensis

Legume Family (Leguminosae)

This small tree is widely adaptable, durable, and tough. This tree has two purposes: shade and ornamental. This tree grows to a height of 10-25 ft. with a 15-20-ft spread. It is flat topped with widely spreading single to multiple - stemmed tree form.  The Eastern Redbud has purple red flowers in clusters along the stem before the leaves emerge in the early Spring. Flowers may also be white depending on cultivar. It produces an oblong, flattened pod, 2-3 in long, with a reddish to brown color that persists all through winter. The plants most notable characteristics are it’s durability and its flowers. This plant is usually purchased in container stock or ball and burlap.

This plant is adaptable to many soil conditions and is hardy to zone 4

This tree is susceptible to stem canker, leaf rollers, leaf miners and bores on old trees.  The best prevention of the diseases mentioned above is to keep your tree healthy by fertilizing and feeding it.

Plant needs to be planted in full sun and during extreme drought needs to be watered.

Cultivars:

     ‘Forest pans’- Purple color that turns green with age.