How to identify Eastern redbud 'Merlot' (Cercis canadensis 'Merlot')

How to identify Eastern redbud 'Merlot' (Cercis canadensis 'Merlot')

Eastern redbud 'Merlot', also known as Canadian redbud 'Merlot'

Eastern redbud 'Merlot' is a deciduous tree reaching heights of 15 to 20 feet (4.5 to 6 meters) with a similar spread. Its glossy heart-shaped leaves, measuring 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) in length and 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in width, emerge in deep purple, mature to burgundy, and transition to green in late summer. By fall, the foliage turns yellow. Bright reddish-purple flowers bloom from late winter to early spring, presenting a striking display along its bare branches. The tree adapts to various soil types and thrives in full sun to light shade.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Eastern redbud 'Merlot'

Heart-shaped glossy leaves transition from deep purple to green, measuring 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length.

Bright rosie/pink flowers with bilateral symmetry bloom on bare branches before leaves, about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter.

Leguminous pods with smooth texture and glossy finish, maturing from green to deep purple/brown, contain small bean-like seeds.

Smooth dark maroon stem, 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6.5 cm) in diameter, with spreading branches in a multi-stemmed dense growth pattern.

Vibrant dark burgundy leaves, palmate vein pattern, smooth texture, transitioning from purple to green in summer.

Detailed Traits of Eastern redbud 'Merlot'

Leaf Features

Eastern redbud 'Merlot' leaves are characterized by their striking dark burgundy color, which remains vibrant throughout the summer months. The leaves are heart-shaped, measuring between 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length and 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in width. Initially emerging deep purple, they transition to burgundy before turning green in summer. The texture is smooth, and the vein pattern is palmate, radiating from the base.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of eastern redbud 'Merlot' are clusters of bright rosie/pink blooms that appear on bare branches before the leaves. They exhibit a vibrant color, typically measuring about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) in diameter. Each blossom displays a bilateral symmetry with five petals arranged in a butterfly shape. The blooming period of these striking flowers lasts for approximately 2 to 3 weeks in springtime, offering a visually captivating display. The flowers are not notably scented but are essential for early spring identification.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of eastern redbud 'Merlot' is characterized by its smooth, dark maroon to reddish-brown hue. It is moderately thick, ranging between 1.5 to 2.5 inches (4 to 6.5 cm) in diameter. The texture is relatively smooth with a slightly glossy surface. Branching occurs in a spreading pattern, with branches emerging at various angles. As a multi-stemmed tree, several stems often grow from the base, creating a dense, bushy appearance. This stem structure is crucial for distinguishing eastern redbud 'Merlot' from other species.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of eastern redbud 'Merlot' is a leguminous pod, typically less abundant than other varieties in its genus. Each pod is small, reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length. The exterior texture is smooth, with a glossy finish that matures from green to a deep purple or brown as it dries. Inside, the pods contain several small, hard, bean-like seeds. The compressed, oblong shape facilitates easy dispersal, yet the minimal fruit production simplifies garden upkeep.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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