How to identify Cercis glabra (Cercis glabra)
Cercis glabra exhibits a distinctive growth habit, typically developing as a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub or small tree. Its rounded leaves are heart-shaped, a bright green color, and can span up to 5 inches (13 cm) wide. During bloom, cercis glabra showcases clusters of pea-like flowers, which are generally pink to purple in hue, contributing to its ornamental appeal. As the season progresses, the foliage might display yellowish tones before shedding. The plant's overall structure and leaf shape are primary identifiers.
Lifespan: Perennial
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Heart-shaped leaves up to 5 inches (13 cm) wide.
Clusters of pink to purple pea-like flowers.
Flattened, elongated legume fruit, initially purple to red.
Thickly papery to leathery leaves with prominent veins.
Multi-stemmed, smooth stem with reddish-brown bark, can reach 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter.
The leaves of cercis glabra are thickly papery to almost leathery, displaying a striking range of colors as they mature. Young leaves exhibit a vibrant purple/red hue before transitioning to green. The undersides of the leaves feature tufts of hairs in the vein axils. Typically, each leaf has 7 prominent veins with inconspicuous minor veins, aiding in identification. The overall texture is resilient, and the mature leaves offer a robust and slightly glossy appearance.
The flowers of cercis glabra are striking rose-magenta in color, appearing in early spring. They grow in short axillary racemes, each raceme featuring up to 10 individual blossoms. Each flower is small, typically measuring about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, with petals arranged in a distinctive pea-like shape. These flowers lack fragrance but their vibrant color and unique structure make them easily identifiable in the early spring landscape.
The stem of the cercis glabra is typically multi-stemmed and smooth in texture, devoid of rough or flaky bark. It often displays a reddish-brown hue, contributing to its distinctive appearance. The trunk can reach a diameter of up to 12 inches (30 cm) or occasionally more, making it quite robust. The branching pattern is generally dense, forming a well-defined structure. This multi-stemmed habit and the smooth, reddish bark are key features of cercis glabra's stems.
The fruit of cercis glabra is a legume, initially presenting with a striking purple to red hue, an attractive feature for identification. As it matures, the fruit transitions to a brown tone. These legumes typically exhibit a flattened, elongated pod shape which can reach lengths of several inches, accommodating multiple seeds within. The surface texture of the mature pods is characteristically firm and dry to the touch. This fruit, holding true to its family traits, splits open upon maturing, releasing the seeds enclosed inside.
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Scientific Classification of Cercis glabra
