Melinda Myers

Eastern Redbud

Botanical Name

Cercis canadensis

Hardiness

Zones 4 to 9

Height

20 to 30 feet

Width

25 to 35 feet

Flowers

Spring: purplish-red in bud, rosy pink in bloom; edible

Fruit

Flat pod, 2-3"

Fall Color

Yellow

Light

Full sun to light shade

Soil

Moist, well-drained

Planting & Care

• Transplant as balled and burlap or container
• Best flowers in full sun
• Edible flowers have a bean-like flavor

Problems

Canker, verticillium wilt, root rot, insects, not stress tolerant

Varieties

• Columbus Strain & Northern Strain - hardier, Zone 4b
• Forest Pansy - foliage is burgundy when emerging - maturing to dark green on upper surface and purple-red on the underside, darker purple flowers than species
• Alba - white flowers