eastern redbud
Family
CaesalpiniaceaeScientific Name
Cercis canadensisOther Common Names:
eastern redbud
redbud
Synonyms (former Scientific Names):
Cercis occidentalis
Leaves
When mature, the alternately arranged leaves are about four inches long, four inches wide and heart shaped with prominent venation. The twigs are slender, spreading, zigzag with short or dark brown knotty spurs
Identifying Characteristics
Eastern redbud is a native, perennial, deciduous tree which grows 15 to 30 feet tall and spreads 15 to 25 feet. Older trees generally resemble a vase shape. This tree is a member of Fabaceae or pea family.Eastern redbud is usually one of the first trees to bloom in spring.Flowering occurs in March to May before leaf growth. After bloom, the leaves begin growing and gradually turn dark green.Eastern redbud occurs as scattered trees or small populations. It is an understory species in open woods and is found on moist, loam or sandy soils in valleys or bottomlands. Usually this tree is more numerous on south facing slopes with more sunlight. Eastern redbud grows on a wide range of pH; however, it grows best on soils with a pH of 7.5 or above. It is not found on inundated sites, poorly aerated soils, or coarse sands. The tree is fire tolerant and root sprouts after fire.
Flower Seed Head
Pink to reddish purple flowers are grown on old twigs, branches, and trunks
Seed Fruit
Eastern redbud produces clusters of flat green pods (~3.5 inches long, ~0.5 inches wide) that change to brown when mature. Each pod contains four to ten small hard black or brown seeds.
Where Found
Eastern redbud is found throughout the lower Great Plains and eastern United States.
Growth Habit
woody bush or tree
Thorns or Spines
not present
Approximate Flower Diameter
Varies:
pencil,
dime
Dominant Flower Color
pink
Flower Symmetry
bilateral symmetry
Leaf Hairs
Varies:
has hairs,
no hairs
Leaf Shape
heart
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Structure
simple
Leaf Stalk
shorter than leaf
Stem Hairs
no hairs
Stem Cross Section
round or oval
Milky Sap
not present
Life Cycle
perennial
Ochrea
not present
Plant Type
Tree