How to Grow and Care for Redbuds

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small understory tree native to North America. In spring or early summer clusters of purple-pink flowers appear on bare branches and sometimes on the trunk. The characteristic seed pod reveals that Eastern redbud belongs to the legume family, which makes it a cousin to peas, and locust trees.

Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum) is a small deciduous tree indigenous to Southern Europe and Western Asia. The judas tree is pollinated by bees. This species is protected in Israel. It grows best in deep, well-drained soils in full sun or partial shade.

Chinese redbud is a densely branched small tree or shrub known for its abundant purple-red flowers. These blooms make it a popular ornamental plant well suited to specimen or group plantings in naturalized gardens. It is also grown as a street tree. The flowers attract bees, and the seedpods are eaten by birds.

Western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is a flowering plant used by the indigenous people of California for weaving baskets. The bark can be used to make a reddish dye. Western redbud is often planted as an ornamental species.

Texas redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis) is a variant of the eastern redbud tree found between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains of North America. The redbud is the official state tree of Oklahoma. The flowers can be eaten raw or fried, so they're occasionally added to foods as flavoring. The nuts can also be roasted.