Cercis
canadensis
SER-sis cana-DEN-sis
Eastern Redbud
Fabaceae (Leguminosae) (Legume family)
Origin: Eastern United States
©Street Tree Division
City of Los Angeles - Department of Public Works
Bureau of Street Services
Form -Deciduous. Slow to moderate growth to 20' and as wide.
Trunk -Smooth pale gray bark. Tendency to multitrunk.
Foliage -Leaves are blue green, 2 to 3 1/2" wide and distinctly notched, or heart shaped at base and round or slightly notched at apex. Twigs and leaf edges reddish when young. Fall coloring is light yellow.
Flowers/fruit -Brilliant display of magenta pea-like flowers, 1/2" long, in spring before the leaves, borne in small clusters on the older wood. Fruits develop in summer. Newly formed seedpods, 1 1/2 to 3" long and 1/2 to 5/8" wide, are also magenta turning reddish brown and held through the winter.
Cultivars -'Forest Pansy' and 'Oklahoma' and others provide variations of leaf and flower color, bloom times, and form.
No significant pest problems are known at this time.
Site suitability:
Sunset zones: 1 - 3, 7 - 20. Needs low winter temperatures for heaviest flower production.
Clearances- Suitable for 3' minimum parkways, medians or cutouts. Suitable under utility lines.
Good for street sides, medians, parks and lawns.
Culture considerations:
Available in single or multitrunk. Tolerates drought once established. Prefers deep soil with good drainage. Tolerates clay soil.