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Native Plants of the Southeast

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Cercis canadensis
Eastern Redbud

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Eastern Redbud is a lovely, small, (15-20 feet tall x 15-20 feet across) understory tree occurring along streams and wet bottoms as well as on dry slopes and ridges in the Piedmont and some of the mountain counties of the Carolinas. Eastern Redbud is deciduous, very hardy (tough as nails) and highly ornamental. It is especially noted for its striking, rosy, pea-like flowers emerging in clusters on bare, grayish branches – and even on the trunks – before the foliage emerges in spring. And the flowers are edible! They develop later into pendulous, leguminous pods about 4-5 inches long which persist into winter. Leaves are alternate, simple, heart-shaped and pleasing. Branches are gracefully arching. The cultivars of Redbud selected for unusual color seem always to disappoint compared with the subtle hues of the native trees in their breathtaking spring display.

Last Updated: May 15, 2019

Key Info

Scientific Name: Cercis canadensis L.
Common Names: Eastern Redbud
Family Name: Fabaceae (Legume or Pea Family)
Plant Type: Tree / Shrub
Uses: Woodland Garden, Naturalizing, Specimen, Street tree
Light Requirement: Full sun, Partial/sunny, Partial/shady
Moisture Requirement: Medium, Moist well drained
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Bloom Times: Mar, Apr, May
Flower Color: Pink/rose, Lavender
Special Characteristics: Attracts bees, Attracts butterflies, Attracts birds, Fixes atmospheric nitrogen, Tolerates drought, Fragrant flowers, Edible flowers

Additional Info

Habit: Upright with many wide arching branches, zig-zaging branches and taproot.
Height: 20'-30'
Spread: 25'-35'
Growth Rate: Fast when young, then slows down (10 years).
Soil Conditions: Average to wet, but well drained; grows on a wide range of pH, acid to alkaline, loam or clay-based soils.
Leaves: Alternate, simple, cordate in shape, 3 to 5 inches long and wide, with an entire margin, thin and papery, with prominent veins.
Flowers (or reproductive structures): Pinkish purple, pea-like flowers bloom all along outer branches and trunks before leaf expansion; one of the first signs of spring.
Fruit: Flattened, dry legumes, brown, 2 to 4 inches long that contain flat, elliptical, brown seeds 1/4 inch long, maturing in late summer.
Natural Distribution: Wood edges, streambanks, roadsides, rocky slopes.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 8
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: UPL
Pollination: Bees, butterflies, other insects
Wildlife Connections: Redbud attract large numbers of bumble bees and native bees, and also provides nesting material for native bees.
Downside: The lifespan of this beautiful small tree is only about 15 years.
Propagation: By seeds (may need to be scarified).
USDA/NRCS Plant Distribution Map: View Map at USDA.gov

Availability

Available: Gallons, $12

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Office: (919) 542-6186

Appointments: (919) 885-8642

Who we are

Cure Nursery is a small nursery propagating and selling native plants for the Southeastern U.S. We are located near the town of Pittsboro, Chatham County, in central NC.

our hours

Cure Nursery operates by appointment only. Call us or email us to arrange a time to come out, or for delivery.

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