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Redbud in Summer
Form
Small tree with wide-spreading, flat-topped crown, having either
a single stem divided close to the ground or multiple stems.
Leaves
 Simple,
alternate heart-shaped leaves have smooth margins and long petioles;
2 to 5 inches long and often wider than long. New growth is frequently
reddish purple turning to dark green.
Fall Color
Yellow.
Stem/Buds/Bark
The slender young stem’s lack of a terminal bud results
in a zigzag growth. Prominent lenticels give it a sandpaper texture.
Color is red to dark red-brown or red-black. Slightly flattened
buds are 1/8" long or less and dark purple-red. Bark ranges
from reddish to reddish brown and is black or brownish black with
age. Orange inner bark can be seen underneath loose scales on mature
trees.
Flowers
Purplish-pink clusters of flowers appear along stem before leaves
emerge. The flowers lack flower stalks and are borne right from
the stem (sessile); showy.
Flowering Time
March to April.
Fruit
Reddish to brown pod, 2" – 3" long’ often
persisting through winter.
Landscape Use
Eastern redbud can be used as a single specimen tree or planted
in groupings. Nice for naturalistic planting, especially mixed with
dogwood. Good small street tree.
Related Species
C. chinensis, Chinese redbud, an introduced species similar
in appearance but more shrub-like with large, showier flower clusters.
Major Landscape Features
Small specimen and street tree; early, showy flowers; drought
tolerant.
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Hardiness Range
4 – 9
Native Habitat
Eastern U.S.* (Virginia)
Height
20 to 30 feet
Growth Rate
Medium
Spread
15 to 35 feet
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Culture
Deep, moist, well-drained soils preferred but will tolerate
poor soils and hot, dry locations. It does not do well in
permanently wet areas. This tree may need corrective pruning
when young to remove weak forks. It responds to fertilization
and supplemental watering.
Pest Problems
Insects – Leaf rollers, leaf miners, tree hoppers
& leaf hoppers, caterpillars and scales.
Diseases – Dieback (stem canker), leaf spots and Verticillium
wilt.
Cultivars
var. alba – White flowered. "Forest Pansy"
– Intense red-purple foliage in spring turning more green
with the seasons. "Oklahoma" – Foliage very
shiny, lustrous green; less susceptible to leaf rollers and
drought stress.
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