Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Estimated Height at Pickup: 4-5’, 3 gal
Perhaps the showiest of native tree flowers, the fast growing venerable redbud adds more than a splash of pink to spring, and shade in the summer! A generally adaptable small to midsized tree that can be pruned to maintain desired size and shape. Does well as a yard/street tree, in plantings, or along tree lines.
Pollination: Self pollinating.
Light: Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet Mesic, Mesic, Dry Mesic
Soil Type: Loam, Clay Loam, Rocky Loam
Height: 12’-30’
Width: 15’-35’
Bloom Color: Pink
Bloom Time: Apr
Fruit: Small seeds are grouped in thin, plentiful bean-like pods.
Fall Color: -
Root Type: Taproot
Notable Wildlife Interactions: Flowers attract mainly bees. Hosts the Henry’s elfin butterfly, moths such as the redbud leaf-folder, leafhoppers, and beetles. Seeds are eaten to a limited extent by bobwhite, red-breasted grosbeak, and cardinals. Rarely browsed by deer.
Notes: Flowers, buds, and young pods are technically edible, but don’t taste great.