Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
A small native understory tree celebrated for the magenta-pink flowers that swarm its bare branches and even the trunk in early spring, followed by heart-shaped leaves. It is short-lived and prone to trunk cankers, decay, and weak multi-stem unions. Plant in well-drained soil with light shade; it transplants best when young.
Field reference
Family
Fabaceae
Growth rate
Moderate
Mature size
20–30 ft tall, 25–35 ft spread
Hardiness zone
4–9
Soil preference
Moist, well-drained loam; adaptable but intolerant of wet feet
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Pruning window
Late spring, just after bloom
Wood properties
Moderately hard, heavy, weak wood (~0.58 SG) of no commercial value. Small tree, but prone to included bark at low forks and trunk decay — assess unions on older specimens.
Native range
Eastern and central United States, from southern Ontario to Florida and Texas
Green weight
53 lb/ft³
Pests & diseases to watch
Common questions
Why are flowers blooming straight out of my redbud's trunk?
That is cauliflory, a normal redbud trait where blossoms emerge directly from old wood and the trunk. It is one of the species' charming features, not a problem.
Why is my redbud short-lived?
Redbuds are naturally short-lived understory trees prone to trunk cankers, verticillium wilt, and weak forks. Good drainage, light shade, and structural pruning when young extend their useful life.
Related species in Fabaceae
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