Eastern Redbud
A Small Flowering Tree with Purple Spring Flowers
This spring blooming tree is perfect for small backyards.
The Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small, deciduous, spring-blooming tree native to the open woodlands of Eastern North America. Purple spring flowers appear on the branches before the leaves open up, attracting pollinators and bringing a splash of color to the early spring landscape. The flowers last about three weeks and are followed by heart-shaped green leaves and elongated seed pods dangling from the branches. In autumn, birds eagerly gobble up these ripened seeds, and the leaves turn a watery golden yellow. The gray bark of this small flowering tree becomes scaly with age and may sport lichens. Eastern redbud trees are hardy in zones 4-9.
Eastern redbuds have plenty of wildlife value - in addition to attracting pollinators and feeding the birds, many species of butterflies and moths use this tree as a host plant to lay their eggs. This small flowering tree prefers consistent moisture and well-draining soil, and can become stressed rather quickly during times of drought. Redbuds have a moderate growth rate and will add 7-10 feet of height in five years, eventually reaching 20-30 feet high and 25-35 feet wide. Trees sited in partial shade will take on a more open, graceful shape than trees planted in full sun.
Over time, horticulturists have cultivated the straight species* of the Eastern redbud tree to develop a wide array of cultivars, each offering unique characteristics in color, size, and form. These cultivars provide gardeners and landscapers with numerous choices to fit various aesthetic preferences and garden spaces. Whether you're looking for a tree with deep purple foliage, a weeping form, or pink flowers, there's a redbud cultivar that suits your needs. Keep reading for a list of popular Eastern redbud cultivars that may be the perfect addition to your landscape.
The buds of the Eastern redbud tree open to reveal purple spring flowers.
How Do I Care for an Eastern Redbud Tree?
The Eastern redbud tree will grow in full sun to partial shade, and thrives in well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Best flowering will occur on trees grown in full sun. Regular watering, especially during dry spells, is essential. Redbud trees like consistent moisture and become stressed very quickly when they do not have enough water. Deep waterings are also essential to help young trees to establish a strong root system. Before you plant a redbud be sure to brush up on your watering skills and read “How to Water a Tree”. Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree will help to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate the soil temperature.
It’s best to prune an Eastern redbud tree in late winter or early spring before the tree leafs out, focusing on removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches. Pay special attention to signs of common diseases like canker, Verticillium wilt, and leaf spot, which can threaten the tree’s vitality. These diseases can manifest as discolored leaves, wilting, or bark splitting. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if the tree requires significant pruning, it’s wise to enlist a skilled arborist. They can accurately diagnose issues and make precise cuts, ensuring your redbud tree thrives.
Are Eastern Redbud Trees Messy?
Eastern redbud trees do produce some natural debris, but are not considered to be particularly messy. Each season, these small flowering trees produce seedpods which persist on the tree through autumn - most are blown away by the wind or eaten by birds and squirrels.
A few volunteer seedlings may sprout and grow, and these can easily be pulled out or mown down before getting too big. You can even move your volunteers, if desired, by gently digging around the seedling to lift it out of the soil with minimal disturbance to the roots. Plant it in a new spot, with the appropriate amount of light, and be sure to keep it well-watered until it takes root and begins to grow.
Like other deciduous trees, redbuds shed their leaves in the fall. During routine fall cleanups, gathering these leaves can be easily accomplished by using a rake or leaf blower.
The ‘Appalachian Red’ redbud cultivar has brighter, pinker flowers than the straight species*
Where to Plant the Eastern Redbud Tree
Specimen tree: Plant an Eastern redbud as a focal point in your garden or yard, where its stunning spring blooms and graceful form can be fully appreciated.
Mass planting: Use multiple redbuds in a mass planting to create a dramatic, colorful display, especially in larger landscapes or along property lines. Space plants at least 12 feet on center (on center spacing is the distance from the center of one plant to the center of the next).
Understory planting: Position this spring blooming tree beneath taller shade trees like oaks and tulip poplars, where its small size and shade tolerance make it an ideal understory addition.
Wildlife garden: Redbuds are a great small flowering tree to incorporate into a wildlife garden. The flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, and the seeds provide food for the birds.
Mixed border: Combine the Eastern redbud with other shrubs and perennials in a mixed border, where the tree’s purple spring flowers can add seasonal interest and color.
Combine with other spring-blooming trees: Pair redbuds with other spring bloomers like dogwoods, Little Girl magnolias, or Okame cherry trees to create a layered and visually stunning spring landscape.
Naturalized areas: Plant redbuds in naturalized settings, such as woodland edges or meadows, where they can blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment while adding a burst of spring color.
Eastern Redbud Cultivars:
Redbuds are available as a single-trunk tree or a multi-stemmed shrub. There are several widely available cultivars which differ from the straight species* in flower color, size, and/or leaf color:
‘Appalachian Red’ grows 15 - 25 feet tall and wide and has bright neon pink flowers.
‘Forest Pansy’ has purple-maroon foliage and makes a great alternative to the Thundercloud Plum tree, which can struggle in the Mid-Atlantic climate.
‘The Rising Sun’™ is a great choice for smaller gardens, growing 8-12 feet high and wide, with golden-orange leaves that mature to a bright green.
‘Merlot’ has deep burgundy leaves and can handle heat and humidity better than other cultivars..
‘Alley Cat’ is an unusual new cultivar with variegated leaves. It recently came to market and may be difficult to find.
‘Flame Thrower’ is a newer cultivar with burgundy leaves that turn yellow as the season progresses, and has bold fall color.
‘Carolina Sweetheart’ has variegated white, green and pink foliage.
‘Cascading Hearts’ is a small flowering tree with a weeping form, growing 8-10 feet tall with a spread of 10-12 feet.
Lavender Twist has a weeping form and reaches a mature size of 5-10 feet tall and wide.
‘Ruby Falls’ is a small, weeping tree with deep purple leaves that age to a dark green, growing 6-8 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide.
Sparkling Wine™ maintains a compact, 12-15 foot tall and wide shape and has glossy purple leaves and dark pink flowers.
Black Pearl™ has glossy dark purple, almost black leaves and grows 15-20 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide.
Eastern Redbud vs Dogwood
When comparing the Eastern redbud and dogwood (Cornus), both are beloved spring blooming trees that bring beauty and seasonal interest to landscapes, yet each has distinct characteristics and growing preferences.
The Eastern Redbud is known for its striking early spring display when tight clusters of small, pea-shaped lavender purple flowers emerge directly from the branches and trunk before the leaves unfurl. This unique flowering habit, coupled with its heart-shaped leaves that transition to yellow in the fall, makes the redbud a standout in any garden.
In contrast, dogwoods, particularly the native flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), are celebrated for their large, showy bracts that resemble petals and surround tiny true flowers. These bracts can range from white to pink, creating a different kind of visual impact when compared to the redbud’s bright flowers. Dogwoods have brighter red to purple fall color, while the leaves of the redbud turn a watery golden yellow.
In terms of growth and care, Eastern redbuds are more adaptable to a variety of soil conditions and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, making them a versatile choice for different landscape settings. They typically reach a height of 20 to 30 feet, with a similar spread, and they have a graceful, rounded form that works well in both formal and naturalistic gardens.
Dogwoods, on the other hand, tend to prefer well-drained, acidic soils and are best suited to partial shade, particularly in hotter climates where full sun can stress the tree. They are slightly smaller, usually growing to about 15 to 25 feet tall, with a more horizontal branching pattern that gives them an elegant, layered appearance.
Choosing between an Eastern redbud and a dogwood often comes down to aesthetic preference and site conditions. If you desire an adaptable tree that offers a bold spring flowering show, then the Eastern redbud is your best bet. If you prefer delicate flowers and vivid fall color, and have a partially shaded planting site, choose a dogwood tree.
The ‘Forest Pansy’ redbud cultivar has purple leaves.
Where Do Eastern Redbud Trees Grow?
Eastern redbud trees are native to a wide range of habitats across North America, thriving in regions that stretch from the eastern United States to parts of the Midwest. These small flowering trees are commonly found growing in woodlands, along streams, and at the edges of forests, where they enjoy partial shade and well-drained soils. If you're wondering where is the Eastern redbud native to, the tree’s natural range includes states like Ohio, Missouri, and Texas, extending south to Florida and even into parts of northern Mexico.
An Eastern redbud tree grows wild alongside the Potomac River in Maryland.
Are Eastern Redbud Trees Deer Resistant?
Eastern redbuds are not considered to be deer-resistant, and in fact, Rutgers University rates them as "occasionally severely damaged" by deer on their list of “Landscape Plants Rated by Deer Resistance”. This means that deer will browse on redbuds, particularly on young trees and tender shoots, which can lead to significant damage or even stunt the tree's growth. 😞 boo.
If you're planting in an area with a large deer population and would like to plant spring blooming trees, it may be wiser to choose something more deer-resistant like a serviceberry (Amelanchier species). Serviceberries are small flowering trees with beautiful blooms and edible berries. They are less appealing to deer, making them a better choice for landscapes where deer pressure is a concern.
* Straight Species: The "straight species" of a plant refers to the original, wild form of the plant as it occurs in nature, without any human intervention or selective breeding. The straight species maintains the plant's natural characteristics and genetic diversity.
