Complete Guide To Redbud Tree – What You NEED To Know

The Eastern Redbud is truly one of the most beautiful native trees to grace the North American Continent. This tree is showy, has wildlife value, but doesn’t get too large making it a great landscaping tree to grow near your home. I’ve grown this tree for many years, and have lots of first had experience.

I’ve germinated hundreds of Redbud seeds and have numerous trees lining my yard. Over the years I’ve come to learn a thing or two about this tree and can share all my knowledge with you.

In this article:

• What is the Eastern Redbud Tree
• What are the pros and cons of the Eastern Redbud Tree
• Identification / Characteristics
• How to Grow and Care for Eastern Redbud Tree
  • How to Grow the Redbud Tree from seed
• What Wildlife, Pests, and Diseases effect the Redbud Tree
• Uses of Eastern Redbud Tree
• Where to buy Eastern Redbud Trees, and available varieties

What is the Eastern Redbud Tree

The Eastern Redbud Tree is a showy flowering, deciduous tree native to North America. Scientifically known as Cercis canadensis, it will grow to 25′ tall and wide in full sun and well drained soil. The Redbud blooms a beautiful, prolific display of pink flowers in early Spring that lasts about a month and feeds numerous pollinators. [1] [2] [3]

Facts about the Eastern Redbud Tree

• George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both planted Redbuds at their respective homes of Mount Vernon and Monticello [4] [5]
• The Spring flowering is enhanced by cold Winters
• As a legume, the Eastern Redbud is nitrogen fixing, basically making it’s own fertilizer
• In full sun, the Eastern Redbud Tree can grow 2′ or more per year!
• The flowers Redbud Trees are edible raw or cooked
• Numerous species of bird and other wildlife enjoy the seeds from the Redbud Trees in the Winter
• The Eastern Redbud Tree is one of, if not THE showiest flowering trees that are native to North America

Native Range of Eastern Redbud Tree

The Eastern Redbud Tree is native to a large swath of Eastern North America from Texas and Florida North to Iowa and even into Connecticut. It’s range even crosses over into Southern Ontario. This is a testament to it’s adaptability to different growing conditions.

Natural Habitat of the Eastern Redbud Tree

The Eastern Redbud can be found in deciduous forests, open woods, and particularly along the South side of slopes and forest edges. [1] They are frequently encountered along highway ditches, as anyone who has driven through Virginia in April has seen!

Although not the preferred growing conditions, I’ve frequently encountered this tree in deep woods as an understory tree. But they do not grow well in shade! They survive, but their trunks arch toward the best available sunlight and they are quite unsightly in comparison to the majestic beauty of a specimen grown in full sun.

Eastern Redbud Tree Reference Table

Scientific Name	Cercis canadensis
Common Name(s)	Redbud Tree, Eastern Redbud Tree, American Redbud Tree
Height	20-30′ (7-10 m)
Spacing	25′ (8 m)
Sunlight	Full Sun, Partial Sun, Full Shade
Soil Type	Clay Loam, Sandy Loam
Soil Moisture	Dry, Medium, Moist
Bloom Time & Duration	Early Spring for 2-4 weeks
Bloom Color	Pink
Larval Host	Henry’s Elfin butterfly, Grape leaf-folder moth, Morning Glory Prominent
Native Range	Eastern United States
Zone	USDA Zones 4-9
Notes	Very showy tree with high wildlife value