Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)

Cercis canadensis, commonly referred to as eastern redbud, is a small, ornamental native typically found as a small understory tree or large multi-stemmed shrub. Typically redbud is slow growing, but can reach heights of 20-30' tall and can be used in the landscape as a specimen or shade tree or used in naturalization plantings at woodland edges. Clusters of fragrant rose-purple flowers line the stem and persist for two to three weeks before the foliage emerges in late spring; flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

In late spring, heart-shaped leaves emerge a cool blue-green and darken to deep forest green, and the bark may develop interesting orange streaks with age; fall foliage is yellow, but not necessarily striking. Cercis canadensis typically develops a rounded habit as it matures; as a small tree, it grows best in partial shade to full sun and preferably in moist, well drained, soils with some organic content. Redbud is deer, black walnut, and clay soil tolerant and as they mature, larger trees are also adaptable to dry conditions.