Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS
Photo by: Shirley Denton, Suncoast Chapter FNPS

Nomenclature

Common Name:

eastern redbud

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Cercis canadensis

Family:

Fabaceae (Leguminosae)

Plant Specifics

Form:

tree

Size:

25-30 ft tall by 25-35 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

pink

Fruit Color:

brown

Phenology:

deciduous. Blooms late winter-spring. Fruits ripen summer-fall. Lifespan <50 yrs (Nelson) but in south part of range, likely much less (Denton)

Noted For:

Showy Flowers, Interesting Foliage

Landscaping

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:

Quality Nurseries, Native Nurseries, FNPS Plant Sales, Seed

Propagation:

Seed.

Light:

Full Sun, Part Sun

Moisture Tolerance:

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

Coming Soon!

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

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Low/no tolerance of salty wind or direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Sand, Loam

Soil pH:

Slightly acidic to somewhat calcareous.

Suitable to Grow In:

8A,8B,9A,9B

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Caterpillars

Larval host for Henry's elfin ( Callophrys henrici ) and io moth ( Automeris io ).





Popular with bees including bumblebees.

Native Habitats:

Upland hardwood forests. Bluffs, hammocks, secondary woods.

Natural Range in Florida:

Comments:

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.