Eastern Redbud

Eastern Redbud, Cercis canadensis, is a small native deciduous tree of eastern and central North America. In late winter or early spring, before the leaves emerge, clusters of pink to purplish pink pea-shaped flowers line the bare branches and sometimes the trunk. Heart-shaped leaves turn yellow in fall, and flat brown seed pods hang on into winter. Grow it in full sun to part shade in USDA zones 4 through 9, where it reaches 20 to 30 feet tall and roughly as wide. It accepts sand, loam, or clay, acidic to alkaline, but prefers moist, well-drained ground over permanently wet soil. Water through summer dry spells; established trees handle moderate drought but have no salt tolerance. Branches break easily, so give it a sheltered spot. Native south to central Florida, it may not bloom well at the far south end of that range. The flowers are edible.