A small native tree that blooms with electric magenta-pink flowers along bare branches in early spring — before the leaves emerge. State tree of Oklahoma and a beloved early-spring sight across the eastern US.

Also called: Eastern Redbud, American Redbud, Judas Tree (folk name)

Native status: Native to eastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeMature height 6–9 m (20–30 ft); trunk diameter 25–30 cm
WeightN/A
Lifespan40–70 years; some 100+
OrderFabales
FamilyFabaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Cercis canadensis, the eastern redbud, is a large deciduous shrub or small tree, native to eastern North America from southern Michigan south to central Mexico, west to New Mexico, but able to thrive as far west as California and as far north as southern Ontario. It is the state tree of Oklahoma and the official city tree of Huntington Beach. The prevalence of the so-called "Columbus strain" has seen the residents of Columbus, Wisconsin, embrace the plant in their city's identity. Known as the "Redbud City," the town hosts "Redbud Day" annually the Saturday before Mother's Day, organizing a variety of themed events to recognize the tree.

Source: Wikipedia — Cercis canadensis Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Small tree with heart-shaped leaves; clusters of pink-purple flowers on bare twigs and trunk in early spring; flat brown seed pods in fall.

Similar species. Cercis siliquastrum (Old World; "Judas tree" — larger, similar appearance). No native US look-alike.

Voice. N/A

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis (legume; nitrogen-fixing root nodules)

Behavior. Native understory tree of eastern deciduous forests. Among the first trees to bloom in spring — clusters of small pink-purple pea-shaped flowers emerge directly from bark and branches BEFORE leaves, including on the trunk itself (cauliflory). Flowers are edible to humans (taste mildly sweet) and an important early nectar source for native bees. State tree of Oklahoma.

§ Range

Eastern US from southern Ontario to Florida

§ Habitat

Forest edges, understory, riverbanks, roadsides

§ Threats

Cankered cultivars, drought stress in urban plantings, deer browsing on saplings.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the eastern redbud is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant native straight-species redbud. Provide adequate water during establishment. Avoid soil compaction in root zone.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Morton Arboretum
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center