Eastern Redbud

treeman's picture
Submitted by treeman on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 11:34
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Every Spring I avidly await the blooming of the redbuds.  This tree puts on a spectacular show along the rural roadsides of our Shenandoah Valley.   Its much beloved by our residents.

Redbud Buds: Still in tight bud stage, this redbud will be even more spectacular when the blooms open.Redbud Buds: Still in tight bud stage, this redbud will be even more spectacular when the blooms open.

Cercis canadensis is a small woodland edge tree in nature.  It is often found growing in old fields that are reverting to forest land.  With few, if any natural enimies and an outstanding show of color in mid-spring, the redbud is a favorite for the lasndscape.  

The redbud is a problem free tree that is adaptable to many landscape scenarios.  Even when done blooming, the heart shaped green foliage is also attractive.  A popular newer cultivar, C. Canadensis, Forest Pansy,  has red to purple leaves all summer long, though they gradually fade to a mixed green/purple by early autumn.

  

Redbud Stem Buds: An interesting characteristic of redbuds that allow them to put on such a magnificent show when in bloom.Redbud Stem Buds: An interesting characteristic of redbuds that allow them to put on such a magnificent show when in bloom. 

"Business...Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance and benevolence were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!"

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Zone: 
Zone 5
Zone: 
Zone 6
Zone: 
Zone 7
Zone: 
Zone 8
Height: 
Up to 30 feet
Use: 
Border
Use: 
Rock Garden
Bloom Time: 
Spring
Flower Color: 
Lavender
Foliage Color: 
Green
Light: 
Sun
Light: 
Partial
Water Needs: 
Average
Growth Rate: 
Medium
Scientific Name: 
Cercis Canadensis

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disgett's picture

Great article, love the

Submitted by disgett on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 17:01.

Great article, love the photo images to illustrate.

Dale, Photo Manager & Good Will Ambassador

Dale, Photo Team Leader & Good Will Ambassador

skbeal's picture

Eastern Redbud, but..........

Submitted by skbeal on Wed, 04/23/2008 - 15:02.
I can't help but wonder whether there is a Western Redbud. I've seen many photos of the Eastern Redbud bursting forth with color along roads, but I've always wondered whether there is a western variety. Perhaps Texas Mountain Laurel, although I hardly think it qualifies as a tree, is the closest we can get! Great job, Wes!

Susan, the Texas Yankee, the Texas Rangerette and the Assistant Administrator

SKBeal's Snazzy Tra

Susan, the Texas Yankee and Assistant Site Administrator

treeman's picture

Other Redbuds

Submitted by treeman on Tue, 04/29/2008 - 12:04.

Susan, I can't say as I'm familiar with any "western" redbuds, but there is an Oklahoma redbud, Cercis reneformis which has very shiney and round leaves.   Also there are also several white strains of C. Canadensis one of which is called 'Texas White'. 

I am wondering as to the species classification of these white varieties, as they all seem to have the very shiney leaves like C. reneformis.  As far as I know therse are the only two native North American Cercis species.  I have also seen a C. Chinensis in trade publications, but don't know anything about.  From its species name of course I would expect it to be Asian in origin.

 

"He who plants a tree, plants hope" Lucy Larcom

"Business...Mankind was my business. The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance and benevolence were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!"