The Virtues of the Eastern Redbud Tree - Cercis Canadensis

The Eastern Redbud tree is a springtime jewel in the Eastern United States. This beautiful tree is a local favorite in my southern state and a site to behold as their bright magenta blooms dot the rural and urban landscapes. The Eastern Redbud is in full bloom when most shade trees are just beginning to leaf-out. This makes for a perfect time to take a drive along the highways to see the Eastern Redbud trees in full bloom. The purplish flowers appear to glow against the lime green shade of new deciduous leaves and the dark evergreen tones of its neighboring trees.

The blooms on the inappropriately named Redbud tree are a lovely shade of pinkish/purple that begin with darker magenta colored buds and end with a much lighter lavender-pink color. The Eastern Redbud also blooms at the same time as the bright yellow Forsythia shrub. These two Tennessee favorites create a perfect pair because of their contrasts in flower colors.

Since the Eastern Redbud tree is native to the United States, it's not only abundant in the natural landscapes, but also a favorite tree to grow in the average size suburban yard. When used as a home landscape tree, the Eastern Redbud is the perfect size because it won't overwhelm a small yard, but it's just large enough to provide a small amount of shade in summer's heat.

The Redbud tree usually reaches about 20 to 30 feet tall and just about as wide. It will take several years to reach full maturity but my Eastern Redbud has already grown to about 20 feet tall after being planted seven years ago.

Don't think that the long-lasting spring blooms are the only thing the Eastern Redbud has to offer. It has heart-shaped leaves that are almost just as pretty. The leaves of the Eastern Redbud are medium in size and reach from about 3 inches in length and width to more than 5 inches. The leaves will begin as a tawny green as they unfold, and end in a medium green on top and light green underneath. When you see tiny leaves just starting to tip each branch, you'll know the flower show is nearing the end.

After the Eastern Redbud has leafed-out and the flowers have long faded, large brown seed pods form on the tree. The seed pods are about the size of large pea pods and will remain until they fall in the winter with the leaves. The seeds inside the pods are brown and about a quarter of an inch. The seeds will be mature before the end of summer and can be planted in the fall. Seeds with a hard outer coating like the Redbud's will need to be scarified (sanded or nicked) so water will reach the seed to cause germination.

The Eastern Redbud is cold hardy from USDA Zone 4a to 9b. It has average water needs. As with all young trees, water it regularly when it's first planted. This is especially true if you plant it in the spring and the summer is especially hot in your region. The Eastern Redbud prefers a soil ph. from strongly acid (5.1 to 5.5 ph.) to neutral (6.6 to 7.5 ph.). The Redbud tree can also be propagated by soft stem cuttings.