Cercis canadensis

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Eastern Redbud

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.
Propagation:Seed.
Availability:Native nurseries, FNPS plant sales, Quality nurseries, Seed
Light: Full Sun,  Part Shade
Moisture Tolerance:
always floodedextremely dry
 (Usually moist, occasional inundation ----- to ----- Short very dry periods)
Moisture Tolerance: 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.

Ecology

Wildlife:
Insects:
  

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.

Distribution and Planting Zones

Natural Range in Florida
USDA Zones

Suitable to grow in:
8A 8B 9A 9B 

USDA zones are based on minimum winter temperatures

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.