Elegant weeping habit, perfect for small gardens and lawns.
Cercis canadensis, commonly known as the Eastern Redbud, is a small, deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It typically grows 20 to 30 feet tall and wide, with a graceful, spreading, often multi-trunked form.
One of the most distinctive features of the redbud is its prolific spring bloom. Before the tree's heart-shaped leaves emerge, the bare branches become covered in an abundance of small, pea-like, magenta-pink flowers that often appear directly on the trunk and older branches (a trait called cauliflory). This showy floral display makes redbud a popular ornamental tree.
Cercis canadensis prefers well-drained, evenly moist soil and full sun to partial shade, and is not particular about soil pH. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established, though it appreciates supplemental water during hot, dry spells, especially in full sun. The tree provides year-round interest with its spring blooms, heart-shaped summer foliage, yellow fall color, and interesting seed pods that persist into winter.
In the landscape, the redbud makes an excellent specimen tree, accent plant, or addition to naturalized areas. Its smaller size also allows it to work well in urban settings and as an understory tree. Redbuds attract pollinators and provide cover for wildlife. The tree requires minimal pruning beyond occasional thinning or shaping, and has a taproot that makes it resent transplanting once established — it's best sited while young and then left undisturbed.
Pros
Spectacular early-spring flower show on bare branches, before most other trees have even leafed out
Small, well-behaved size (20-30ft) that fits easily into smaller yards and under power lines
Heart-shaped leaves and interesting seed pods add multi-season interest
Supports native bees and other early-season pollinators when few other flowers are available
Cons
Has a taproot and does not transplant well once established — site it carefully while young
Relatively short-lived for a tree, typically 20-25 years
Susceptible to canker and Verticillium wilt, which can kill branches or the whole tree
Branches are somewhat brittle and can break in ice or wind storms
Plant Data
Mature Size
6 - 8 feet
tall. 4 - 6 feet
wide.
Growth Rate
Moderate
Sun Exposure
Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance
Medium
Zones
5a - 9b
(Usually hardy to -20° F)
Tags
Attracts Butterflies, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Fall Color, Flowering Tree, Full Sun, Good for Accents, Good for Asian Garden, Good for Borders, Good for Butterfly Garden, Good for Cottage Garden, Good for Rain Garden, Medium, Medium, Nativar, Ornamental Tree, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Shade Tree, Showy Flowers, Street Tree, Tree, Well-Drained Soil
We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!
Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants
Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.
Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.
Estimated Recipe Cost
The cost of this recipe's ingredients will vary depending on the season and the sizes and varieties you select.
Benefits of Membership
Want a better way to get great plants and make your yard look awesome? Create your account below and get:
The best plants… from the same sources the pros use, but at near wholesale prices
More plants in more sizes than anywhere else… whether you’re looking for classics or rarities; annuals, perennials or shrubs; one plant or a whole yardful!
"No Contact" delivery or easy pick-up at a site near you without fighting the retail crowds. You choose!
Membership is free, but — since we rely on delivery and local pick-up — you have to live near one of our hubs (or be willing to drive to a site to pick them up). If you live farther away, and would like to help us bring the club to your neighbors, please email helpusgrow@northshoreplantclub.com.
Already a member?
Login
About Ordering From The Plant Club
To secure the best prices for club members and make sure we know the current plants available from each nursery, we take orders only a couple of times a month.
Shoot us an email at help@northshoreplantclub.com, and we'll be happy to talk about plants or let you know when it's time to buy them!
No Pricing or Availability Right Now
We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region.
It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.
Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!