Cercis canadensis
Deciduous Tree

USDA Zones: 4 - 9
Light: sun - partial shade
Form: Upright/Vase-shaped
Height:  20 to 30 feet
Width:  20 to 30 feet
Height at 20 years: 20 feet
Flower Colors: pink
Bloom Time: early spring
Special Features:
Attractive Foliage
Flowers
US Native/Wildflower
Winter Interest
Companion Plants:
Plant with dogwoods and flowering crabapple. Underplant with spring bulbs.

Eastern redbud is a small, handsome, multistemmed understory tree that reaches 20 to 30 feet with a 20 to 30 feet rounded crown. Early spring flowers are breathtaking, opening from a reddish purple in bud to a rosy-pink. The heart-shaped leaves emerge after the flowers. Fall color is sometimes an attractive yellow. Eastern redbud is a legume -- a member of the pea family -- so its fruit is a pod.

Notable Varieties
var. alba - The flowers are pure white.
'Forest Pansy' has scarlet new leaves that turn maroon). The flowers are pink. it is less hardy than the species.
'Flame' ('Plena') has double pink flowers that emerge at the same time as the leaves. It rarely sets fruit.
'Silver Cloud' has pink-and-white variegated leaves and reaches 12 feet tall and wide.

Care
Water during hot, dry weather. Fertilize in spring.

Planting
Plant balled-and-burlapped or container-grown plants in full sun or light shade in almost any soil, except wet. Soil can be acidic or alkaline.

Pests and Diseases
Canker can kill twigs; remove dead wood.