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Cercis chingii

How to identify Cercis chingii (Cercis chingii)

Cercis chingii

Cercis chingii is a deciduous tree with a multistemmed habit, typically growing to about 8-12 feet (2.4-3.7 meters) tall. Its leaves are heart-shaped with a smooth margin and a glossy, green surface. In spring, cercis chingii produces clusters of small, purple-pink flowers that bloom directly on the branches before the leaves emerge. The flowers give way to flat, bean-like seed pods. The bark is smooth, providing a subtle texture to the landscape.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Cercis chingii

1

Heart-shaped, glossy green leaves with smooth margins, reaching 4 inches (10 cm).

2

Clusters of rosy purple flowers, 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, symmetrical petals.

3

Distinctive leathery legume pods, twisted, 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long, robust.

4

Densely branched stem, multi-stemmed, greyish-brown color, 1 inch (2.5 cm) diameter.

5

Smooth bark, providing subtle texture, aiding in plant recognition and landscape appeal.

Cercis chingiiCercis chingiiCercis chingiiCercis chingiiCercis chingii

Detailed Traits of Cercis chingii

Leaf Features

The leaves of cercis chingii are initially tinted red/purple and transition to a dark green upon opening. They reach up to 4 inches (10 cm) in length and are alternate, simple leaves with a slightly leathery texture. Each leaf features 5 principal veins, prominently visible on the underside, and sparse hairs along the veins and vein axils.

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Flower Features

Cercis chingii bears dense clusters of rosy purple flowers, each approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The blossoms form in tight bunches, creating a striking display of vibrant color. Each flower consists of five petals that are arranged symmetrically, providing a delicate yet robust appearance. These flowers are often amongst the earliest to bloom in spring, signaling the season's arrival with their bright and cheerful hues. No notable scent is commonly associated with these blooms.

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Stem Features

The stem of cercis chingii is densely branched with a multi-stemmed structure. It features a smooth texture and displays a greyish-brown color. The stems are moderately thick, typically reaching up to 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter. The branching pattern is intricate, enhancing the dense appearance of the plant. Noteworthy for its resilience, the stem's robust nature supports the plant's overall growth and stability.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of cercis chingii is characterized by its distinctive leathery legume pods that typically exhibit a twisted form. These pods are robust and envelop seeds in a row within their protective casing. As they mature, the fruit may change in color, finishing with a brownish tone that blends with the plant's natural setting. The texture of the pods is notably tough, which aids in shielding the seeds from environmental elements. Their length is generally about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm), making them relatively conspicuous against the foliage. These key features are essential for recognizing the fruit of cercis chingii.

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Cercis chingii and Their Similar Plants

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Eastern redbud vs. Cercis chingii: What's The Difference?
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.
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Judas tree vs. Cercis chingii: 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.
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Western redbud vs. Cercis chingii: 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.
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Chinese redbud vs. Cercis chingii: 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.
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Eastern redbud 'Forest Pansy' vs. Cercis chingii: 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.
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Eastern redbud 'Ruby Falls' vs. Cercis chingii: 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.
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Eastern redbud 'Hearts of Gold' vs. Cercis chingii: 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.
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Eastern redbud 'Merlot' vs. Cercis chingii: 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.
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Key Facts About Cercis chingii

Attributes of Cercis chingii
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Cercis chingii

Family
Legume
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Genus
Redbuds
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Species
Cercis chingii (Cercis chingii)
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