Redbud Trees (Cercis canadensis)

The redbuds are in bloom! Cercis canadensis is a beautiful native plant here in Tennessee and in other areas of the country. Redbuds are an understory tree that do best on the outskirts of forest areas or with partial shade locations. They don’t grow very tall, somewhere around 20-30 feet or so.

Redbud flowers are very interesting because they appear all along the stems and branches of the tree and even the trunk. The flowers eventually change into pods like beans which makes sense since redbud trees are members of the legume family. These fresh pods are edible like a garden variety pea!

Once the pods form, the seeds make excellent food for wildlife and birds like chickadees and titmice. Redbuds can be propagated by seed but the seeds need stratification. The germination process can be aided by scarification as well. The seeds have a tough outer coat that delays the seed from germinating. (Read on further to learn more about germinating redbuds from seed).

I consider redbud trees a must have plant in my garden due to the spring color and wildlife value.

Some Fun Redbud Facts!

• Redbuds are native to eastern North America and can be found from southern Ontario to Florida, and as far west as Texas.
• They are hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and can tolerate some drought once established.
• Redbuds are small to medium-sized deciduous trees, typically growing to between 20 and 30 feet tall.
• Redbuds grow well in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils, but prefer moist, well-drained soils.
• Redbuds prefer full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a range of light conditions, although they tend to bloom more heavily in full sun.
• Redbuds have heart-shaped leaves that are green in summer and turn yellow in the fall.
• They are commonly grown for their beautiful, pinkish-purple flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge.
• They are relatively low-maintenance trees and don’t require much pruning, although some selective pruning may be necessary to maintain their shape or remove damaged or diseased branches.
• Redbuds are also popular with wildlife, as their flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies, and their seeds are eaten by birds and other wildlife.
• Redbuds have an interesting growth habit, where their branches tend to grow horizontally, giving them a unique, spreading appearance.

Redbuds are For the Birds!

Several bird species eat redbud seeds, including finches, sparrows, and quail. Other birds that have been observed eating redbud seeds include mourning doves, wild turkeys, and northern bobwhites. In addition to birds, other wildlife such as chipmunks and squirrels are known to eat redbud seeds. The seeds of redbuds are high in protein and other nutrients, making them a valuable food source for many species of animals.

Redbud Varieties

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): This is the most commonly grown redbud variety. It has a rounded shape and produces pink to purple flowers in early spring before the leaves appear.

Forest Pansy Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’): This variety has striking purple-red leaves that turn green as they mature. It produces pink to purple flowers in early spring. We have a Forest Pansy Redbud planted in our side garden.

Lavender Twist Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’): This variety has a weeping habit and produces pink to purple flowers in early spring. It is often grown as a specimen tree in smaller landscapes.

Rising Sun Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Rising Sun’): This variety has heart-shaped leaves that emerge in shades of apricot, peach, and pink, before maturing to green. It produces pink to purple flowers in early spring.

Ruby Falls Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’): This variety has a weeping habit and produces pink to purple flowers in early spring. Its foliage is a deep burgundy color and holds its color well throughout the growing season.

Merlot Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Merlot’): This variety has dark purple leaves that hold their color well throughout the growing season. It produces pink to purple flowers in early spring.

There’s even a White Redbud Tree!

While the Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is typically known for its pink to purple flowers, there is a variety of redbud that has white flowers. This variety is called the ‘Alba’ Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Alba’).

The ‘Alba’ Redbud is a cultivar of the Eastern Redbud and is also known as the White-flowering Redbud. As its name suggests, it produces white flowers in early spring before the leaves emerge. The ‘Alba’ Redbud grows to be about 20-30 feet tall and has heart-shaped green leaves that turn yellow in the fall.

The ‘Alba’ Redbud is a popular choice for those who want the unique, spreading growth habit of the Eastern Redbud but prefer a more subtle flower color. It can be grown in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. The ‘Alba’ Redbud is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and is relatively low-maintenance, making it a great addition to any landscape.

Germinating Redbud Trees from Seeds

Redbud seeds can be a bit tricky to germinate, but it’s definitely possible with the right technique. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Collect the redbud seeds from the tree in the fall once they have turned brown and are dry. The seeds are contained in a pod that resembles a bean.
2. Pour boiling water over the seeds and let them sit for about 1 minute. The boiling water will help break down the seed coat. This process is called scarification.
3. Redbud seeds also require stratification, which means that they need to be exposed to a period of cold temperatures to simulate winter. This is necessary to break the seed dormancy and promote germination. To stratify the seeds, place them in a plastic bag with some moist sand or vermiculite and store them in the refrigerator for 35-60 days.
4. After the stratification period is over, remove the seeds from the refrigerator and plant them in the soil at a depth of about 1/4-1/2 inches. Water the soil lightly to settle it around the seeds.
5. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Redbud seeds should germinate in about 2-3 weeks, but it can take up to several months for some seeds to sprout. Once the seeds have germinated, thin out any weak or damaged seedlings and provide regular water and fertilization.

Most Nursery varieties of redbud are propagated using seed stock then grafting the desired scion on top of it. Cuttings of redbud trees are extremely difficult to root.