Redbud: Colorful Native Plants for Maryland

Mar 22, 2022 | Blog, Native Plant Spotlight

Colorful Native Plants for Maryland

Cercis canadensis

 

Cercis canadensis, redbud, is deciduous, multi-trunked tree. The tree displays clusters of rosy-pink flowers in early spring. The redbud flowers are then followed by bean-like dry seedpods, which can remain on the the tree into the winter. The leaves on the tree are a pale yellow to greenish-yellow in the fall. Redbud trees have great multi-season interest and are wonderful in lawns or as a street tree. As they grow, they can tolerate full sun but prefer a little shade as it does best in part shade conditions.

LGS Notes:

This is one of the first blooms in the spring. It’s such an exciting time to drive and see the purple/pink buds on trees all along the highway. I use this tree a lot in residential settings because it’s a smaller ornamental tree that won’t get so large that it over takes a house. Ring-neck pheasants, quail, goldfinch and cardinals have been seen eating the seeds from redbud. The tree is also a larval host to 12 different Lepidoptera species. ~Lauren

Redbuds are one of my favorites.  I love including them in designs.  I frequently use them as a specimen tree.  They definitely add a romantic element to any garden!  ~Chrissie

Latin Name: Cercis canadensis
Common Name: Redbud
Type: Tree
Family: Fabaceae
Native Range: Eastern North America
Zone: 4 to 8
Height: 20.00 to 30.00 feet
Spread: 25.00 to 35.00 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Description: Pink
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Street tree, flowering tree, naturalize
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Good Fall
Attracts: Butterflies
Tolerate: Deer, clay soil, black walnut
(Information from Missouri Botanical Garden)

Cultivar of Cercis canadensis

Cercis canadensis, ‘Forest Pansy,’ is a cultivar of the redbud tree straight species. It displays rose-purple flowers in the early spring before the purple foliage emerges. The flowers are followed by dry seedpods, and in the fall, the leaves turn reddish/purple and orange. Just like the straight species, ‘Forest Pansy’ is a great option for multi-season interest, and it does best in part shade conditions.
Latin Name: Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’
Common Name: Eastern Redbud
Type: Tree
Family: Fabaceae
Native Range: Eastern/ Central United States
Zone: 5 to 9
Height: 20.00 to 30.00 feet
Spread: 25.00 to 35.00 feet
Bloom Time: April
Bloom Description: Rosy pink/purple
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Street tree, flowering tree
Flower: Showy, good cut
Leaf: Colorful, Good Fall
Attracts: Hummingbirds
Tolerate: Deer, clay soil, black walnut
(Information from Missouri Botanical Garden)
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