Common Name:

eastern redbud

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Cercis canadensis

Family:

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Form:

tree

Size:

25-30 ft tall by 25-35 ft wide

Life Span:

long-lived perennial; lifespan <50 yrs (Nelson) but in south part of range, likely much less (Denton)

Flower Color:

pink

Fruit Color:

brown

Phenology:

deciduous; blooms late winter-spring, with fruits ripening summer-fall

Noted For:

Recommended Uses:

Moderate-sized specimen tree.

Considerations:

At the extreme south end of its range, it may not bloom well. The wood is weak and is likely to break off during a high wind event unless grouped with other trees and shrubs.

Availability:

Propagation:

seed

Light:

Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded------------------------------------------------Extremely Dry

Usually moist, occasional inundation ---to--- Short very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Not salt tolerant of inundation by salty or brackish water

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Loam, Sand

Soil pH:

slightly acidic to somewhat calcareous

Suitable to Grow In:

8A, 8B, 9A, 9B

Wildlife:

Native Habitats:

Upland hardwood forests. Bluffs, hammocks, secondary woods.

Natural Range in Florida:

Visit the USF Libraries Atlas of Florida Plants

Ethnobotany:

Flowers and young pods are edible.

General Comments:

Bloom can be long lasting relative to other early spring blooming trees, as long as a month. Duration is dependent on temperature. Flowers grow directly from the trunk.