How to identify Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)

How to identify Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Eastern redbud, also known as American Redbud, Texas Redbud, Judas tree, Flowering judas

Eastern redbud is a small deciduous tree notable for its broad, rounded canopy that can reach heights of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) and a similar spread of 20-35 feet (6-10.5 meters). Its heart-shaped leaves are distinctive, undeniably adding to its ornamental value. During early spring, the tree is adorned with vibrant pink to purple flowers that grow directly on its branches and even the trunk, a phenomenon known as cauliflory. The flowers give way to flat, elongated seed pods reminiscent of a weaver's shuttle.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub, Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Eastern redbud

Heart-shaped leaves, 3-5 inches (7.5-12.5 cm) long, with 7 palmate veins and lustrous surface.

Vibrant pink to purple flowers in spring growing directly on branches and trunk (cauliflory).

Flat, oblong seed pods 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, transitioning from green to brown.

Slender, zig-zag stem with dark reddish-brown to black hue, dividing close to ground.

Bark transitions from smooth dark brown to scaly plates, with hints of orange in inner layers.

Detailed Traits of Eastern redbud

Leaf Features

The leaves of eastern redbud are simple, alternate, and heart-shaped, measuring 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.5 cm) in both length and width. They feature smooth, entire margins, a cordate base, and an acute apex. The petioles exhibit a notable swelling just beneath the leaf plate. In autumn, the leaves turn an attractive yellow. The broad, dark green leaves have a lustrous surface and display seven palmate veins extending from the base.

Leaf Shape

Ovate ,

Cordate

Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Cordate ,

Truncate

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Apex

Acuminate ,

Acute ,

Obtuse

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

The flowers of eastern redbud are striking and bloom from March to May. They exhibit vivid shades ranging from pink to red to purple. Each flower is approximately 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) wide, appearing in tight, fascicled, or racemous clusters, often directly on old stems and branches. The distinct pea-shaped blossoms emerge before the leaves, creating a colorful spectacle in early spring that is both conspicuous and decorative.

Corolla Type

Papilionaceous

Inflorescence Type

Raceme

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of eastern redbud is slender and glabrous, exhibiting a dark reddish brown to black hue. It has a distinctive zig-zag appearance, with branches spreading and ascending. Typically, the trunk is divided close to the ground. The texture is smooth, and it remains consistently dark-hued through various stages of growth, making it easily identifiable. Medium in thickness, the stem's unique color and branching pattern are key identifying features.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of eastern redbud manifests as flat, oblong seedpods that transition from green to brown as they mature. Each pod measures approximately 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in length and contains about 9 seeds. While initially aesthetically pleasing, these seedpods may appear somewhat untidy when they persist on the branches throughout fall and into the winter months.

Fruit Type

Legume

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Eastern redbud and Their Similar Plants

Judas tree vs. Eastern redbud: What's The Difference?

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.

Western redbud vs. Eastern redbud: What's The Difference?

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.

Chinese redbud vs. Eastern redbud: What's The Difference?

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.

Eastern redbud 'Forest Pansy' vs. Eastern redbud: What's The Difference?

A variant of Redbud, eastern redbud 'Forest Pansy' possesses distinctive, striking foliage; unlike other cultivars, this plant's leaves are well and truly red, emerging in late summer after several weeks of displaying pea-like pink flowers (from which the cultivar derives its name). It thrives in full sun or partial shade and has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Eastern redbud 'Ruby Falls' vs. Eastern redbud: What's The Difference?

The description of the Cercis canadensis 'Ruby Falls' is of a beautiful small weeping tree that offers velvety purple- or ruby-colored heart-shaped leaves that turn to green-bronze in the fall. Purple-rose flowers emerge in spring. It was bred by Dr. Dennis Werner of NCSU and named by 5-year-old Porter Neubauer of Tennessee. You can plant this beautiful ornamental tree to use as a focal point in your garden to attract butterflies and bees.

Eastern redbud 'Hearts of Gold' vs. Eastern redbud: What's The Difference?

Eastern redbud 'Hearts of Gold' is distinct for its pink-purple flowers and golden leaves. A cultivar of Cercis canadensis, its name refers to those heart-shaped leaves. Gardeners love this plant for its colorful foliage: Complementing its springtime blooms, the leaves emerge orange-red, mature to gold, and fade to chartreuse over the summer.

Eastern redbud 'Merlot' vs. Eastern redbud: What's The Difference?

Eastern redbud 'Merlot' is a cultivated Eastern redbud tree with distinctive leaves that set it apart from others in the family. The leaves are a dark, almost blackish red color, similar to Merlot wine. It’s also how the tree got its name. While cultivated for its foliage, the tree is also heat and drought tolerant, unlike other Redbud species.

Texas redbud vs. Eastern redbud: What's The Difference?

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.

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Key Facts About Eastern redbud

Attributes of Eastern redbud

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub, Tree

Plant Height

6 m to 15 m

Spread

8 m to 11 m

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Red

Flower Size

1.5 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Purple

White

Red

Fruit Color

Brown

Red

Green

Copper

Burgundy

Stem Color

Brown

Black

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Eastern redbud

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Legumes, milkworts and allies

Family

Legume

Genus

Redbuds

Species

Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis)

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Distribution Map of Eastern redbud

Eastern redbud is native to the eastern United States and Mexico, where it typically grows in open woodlands. This plant has been cultivated for ornamental purposes throughout its native range and has also been introduced to eastern Europe.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Eastern redbud

A Comprehensive Guide to Eastern redbud How to Grow and Care for Eastern redbud