How fast does it grow?

It is a moderate grower, typically adding 1 to 2 feet per year.

Does it need full sun?

It prefers full sun to partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

Plant guide

Eastern Redbud.

Cercis canadensis

Pronounced SUR-sis kan-uh-DEN-sis

Also known as Canada redbud, Eastern Redbud, Judas Tree, Judastree, Redbud

The Eastern Redbud is a charming understory tree that puts on a spectacular show in early spring. It features heart shaped leaves and vibrant pink to purple flowers that bloom directly on the branches. This native tree is a favorite for adding seasonal color to woodland gardens.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Deciduous tree
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 9 to 12 meters
Growth rate: medium
Hardiness: USDA 4 to 9
Bloom time: Early to mid spring

Care

Plant in a spot with well draining soil and protection from harsh afternoon sun. Keep an eye out for leaf spots or cankers during humid weather. Prune only after flowering to maintain a nice shape.

Watering: Water deeply during dry spells to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Feeding: Apply a balanced slow release fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears.
Pruning: Prune immediately after the flowers fade to remove dead wood and improve structure.
Repotting: Repot only if necessary when the tree is young, as they prefer to stay in the ground.
Soil: Loamy, moist, well draining
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.0
Temperature: -28 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years.
Deer and rabbits: moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth despite proper care.

Safety

People: The plant is not considered toxic to humans.
Pets: This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Children: The seed pods can be a choking hazard for small children if ingested.
Contact allergens: There are no known significant skin irritants associated with this tree.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is generally not considered a major allergen for most people.
Edibility: While the flowers are edible, avoid consuming plant parts if you are unsure of identification or if the tree has been treated with chemicals.

How to identify it

Heart shaped leaves
Pink flowers on bare branches
Zigzagging branch pattern
Small reddish brown seed pods

Height: 6 to 9m
Spread: 5 to 8m
Leaves: green, yellow, deciduous
Flowers: pink, purple, magenta, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: brown, Late summer to autumn

Common problems

Botryosphaeria canker — Fungal infection that causes sunken areas on branches and can lead to dieback.
Leafhoppers — Small insects that suck sap and can cause leaf yellowing or stippling.
Verticillium wilt — Soilborne fungus that causes wilting and branch death.

Growing it

Propagation: seed, cuttings
When to plant: spring, autumn
Overwintering: No special winter care is needed as it is fully hardy in its native range. You can mulch around the base to protect the roots from extreme temperature swings.
In containers: It can be grown in large containers for a few years, but it prefers being in the ground.

Seed

Scarify the hard seed coat with sandpaper.
Soak seeds in warm water for 24 hours.
Cold stratify in the refrigerator for 8 weeks.
Plant in moist soil and keep warm until germination.

Planting spring ephemerals beneath the tree takes advantage of the light before the canopy fully leafs out.

Grows well with

Serviceberry — They share similar light and moisture requirements in woodland settings.
Wild Ginger — It makes a great groundcover beneath the canopy of the redbud.
Columbine — These perennials thrive in the same dappled shade conditions.

Keep away from

Black Walnut — The juglone produced by walnut roots can inhibit the growth of many trees.

Similar species

Chinese Redbud — It has a similar growth habit but features more intense flower clusters.
Western Redbud — It is a close relative adapted to the drier conditions of the western United States.

Science

Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Cercis
Order: Fabales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Eastern and central North America.
Conservation: It is not currently of conservation concern.

This understory tree thrives in the dappled light of forest edges and along stream banks.

Value to wildlife: early nectar source, nesting habitat
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental specimen, pollinator garden, woodland edge planting

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

How fast does it grow?: It is a moderate grower, typically adding 1 to 2 feet per year.
Does it need full sun?: It prefers full sun to partial shade, especially in hotter climates.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Cercis comes from the Greek word kerkis, meaning weaver's shuttle, referring to the pod shape. The species name canadensis refers to its range in North America.

Good to know

The flowers are technically edible and have a slightly sweet, pea like flavor.
Native Americans used the bark to treat various ailments.
It is the state tree of Oklahoma.
The heart shaped leaves turn a lovely yellow in the fall.

Is your eastern redbud looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.