Eastern Redbud, a spectacular native tree

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a spectacular native tree.  It is another one of my spring-blooming, heart-throbs. The species, canadensis, tends to be the one that most folks are familiar with. Rosy-pink, pea-like flower clusters glisten on the bark in early spring before lovely green, heart-shaped leaves unfold. It can get 15’ – 20’ tall, with sweeping, elegant branches. But there are other striking choices as well in the redbud family. ‘Little Woody’ and ‘Ace of Hearts’ resemble canadensis but only get 10’ – 12’ tall.

‘Forest Pansy’ (15’-25’ tall) and ‘Merlot’ (12’-15’ tall) strut scarlet-purple leaves (all redbud leaves are heart-shaped) that transition to a combo of maroon and reddish-orange in fall.

‘Hearts of Gold’ glows with golden-yellow leaves and get 15’-20’ tall while ‘Lavender Twist’ and ‘Covey’ are dwarf, weeping cultivars that usually top out at 6’-8’ tall. ‘Ruby Falls’ also weeps but has rich purple leaves.

‘Alba’ and ‘Royal’ have surprising snow-white flowers in spring, followed by green leaves. ‘Silver Cloud’ is unique, with green and white variegated leaves and bright pink flowers. It tops out at 10’. Redbuds enjoy sun to part shade. Many are hardy to Zone 4, others to Zone 5.