The redbud tree (Cercis canadensis) is a small, deciduous tree or shrub native to eastern North America, from southern Ontario, Canada south to northern Florida, United States, though it’s most commonly associated with the eastern U.S. Species thrive as far west as California and as far north as southern Ontario. It is the state tree of Oklahoma.
Redbud trees are known for their stunning display of pink or magenta flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves appear. The flowers grow directly on the branches and even the trunk, a phenomenon known as cauliflory. After flowering, the tree produces heart-shaped leaves which are initially a reddish-purple, turning green as they mature, and then yellow in the fall.
Redbuds grow to a height of 20 to 30 feet with a spread of 25 to 35 feet. They have a relatively short trunk and a rounded, spreading crown. They are popular ornamental trees in gardens and landscapes due to their early spring color. Redbuds prefer full sun to light shade and well-drained soil. They’re quite adaptable to various soil types, including alkaline or acidic soils.
There are several cultivars of the redbud tree which might offer variations in flower color (from white to deep pink), leaf color or growth habit.
Redbud Trees
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
- Description: A small deciduous tree often with a short trunk and spreading branches, forming a broad, rounded crown. It has heart-shaped leaves that are a reddish-purple when young, turning green as they mature. In spring, it blooms with small, pea-like, pink to purple flowers before the leaves appear.
- Distribution: Native to eastern North America from Southern Ontario, Canada south to northern Florida, USA.
Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis)
- Description: Typically a shrub or small tree, this redbud has similar heart-shaped leaves but often with a more pronounced blue-green hue. Flowers are magenta and appear in early spring.
- Distribution: Found in the western United States, particularly in California, extending into Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.
Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis)
- Description: A variety of the Eastern Redbud, but adapted to the hotter, drier conditions. It has glossier leaves which can be smaller and thicker, providing some drought resistance.
- Distribution: Primarily in Texas, Oklahoma, and into Mexico.
Mexican Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. mexicana)
- Description: Often multi-trunked with smaller, more rounded, and leathery leaves compared to its eastern cousin. The flowers are a vibrant pink.
- Distribution: Native to Mexico and the Southwestern United States.
Evergreen Redbud (Cercis siliquastrum)
- Description: This species is different from other redbuds in that it has evergreen leaves. It reaches a height of 30-40 feet and has a spreading form. The flowers are a deep pink color and bloom in clusters.
- Distribution: Native to southern Europe and western Asia, often cultivated as an ornamental tree.
Chinese Redbud (Cercis chinensis)
- Description: Can grow taller than its American counterparts, with a more upright form. The flowers are a deeper purple-pink, and the leaves can be more vividly green.
- Distribution: Native to China, it’s often used in landscaping around the world.
Japanese Redbud (Cercis japonica)
- Description: Smaller than the Chinese redbud, Japanese redbud reaches a height of 15-20 feet. Its flowers are a deep pink color and bloom in clusters. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a glossy green color.
- Distribution: Native to Japan, Korea, and China, often cultivated as an ornamental tree.
Forest Pansy (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’)
- Description: A cultivar known for its stunning purple foliage that retains its color through the growing season if in sufficient sun. Flowers are similar to the Eastern Redbud but might appear more reddish.
- Distribution: While not a species with a natural distribution, it’s popular in cultivation across North America where the climate suits.
Oklahoma Redbud (Cercis reniformis ‘Oklahoma’)
- Description: A cultivar selected for its brilliant red-purple flowers and heat tolerance. The leaves are a glossy dark green, almost leather-like.
- Distribution: Developed in Oklahoma, hence the name, and suitable for similar climates.
Korean Redbud (Cercis racemosa)
- Description: This species is similar in size and shape to the Japanese redbud but has larger leaves and flowers. The flowers are a deep pink color and bloom in racemes.
- Distribution: Native to Korea and China, often cultivated as an ornamental tree.
Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum)
- Description: Often larger than other redbuds, with pink-lilac flowers. Legend says this is the tree from which Judas Iscariot hanged himself, hence the name. Has kidney-shaped leaves rather than heart-shaped.
- Distribution: Native to Southern Europe and Western Asia.
Rising Sun Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘JN2’)
- Description: Known for its unique foliage coloration; new growth emerges orange-yellow, maturing to yellow, then green. It has the typical pink flowers of redbuds.
- Distribution: A cultivar, so not naturally distributed but found in nurseries and gardens where redbuds can grow.
Alba (White Eastern Redbud) (Cercis canadensis ‘Alba’)
- Description: This variety has white flowers instead of the typical pink or purple. The leaves are standard green, similar to the typical Eastern Redbud.
- Distribution: As a cultivated variety, it’s found in gardens where Eastern Redbuds are suitable.
Covey Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’)
- Description: Also known as ‘Lavender Twist’, this is a weeping variety with cascading branches. It features the typical pinkish-purple flowers of redbuds.
- Distribution: Cultivated variety, available in nurseries where redbuds are sold.
Ruby Falls Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’)
- Description: Another weeping variety, notable for its deep purple foliage which contrasts beautifully with its lavender-pink flowers.
- Distribution: A cultivar developed for ornamental use in gardens.
Hearts of Gold Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’)
- Description: This variety has golden-yellow leaves that turn green as they mature. Flowers are the standard light purple.
- Distribution: A horticultural selection, grown in regions where redbuds thrive.
Silver Cloud Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Silver Cloud’)
- Description: Known for its variegated leaves with white or silver splotches, offering a silvery appearance, with the usual pink flowers.
- Distribution: Cultivated for its unique foliage, found in specialty nurseries.
Merlot Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Merlot’)
- Description: Features thick, glossy, wine-red leaves that hold their color well into the season, with pink flowers. It’s a hybrid for better heat and drought tolerance.
- Distribution: Grows in areas similar to its parent species but favored in warmer climates.
Floating Clouds Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Floating Clouds’)
- Description: This cultivar has leaves with white variegation, creating a ‘floating cloud’ effect against the green backdrop. It blooms with typical redbud flowers.
- Distribution: A garden cultivar, not naturally occurring but popular in landscaping.
Ace of Hearts Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Ace of Hearts’)
- Description: A dwarf variety, smaller in stature with compact growth, making it suitable for smaller gardens. It has the same vibrant flower display.
- Distribution: Cultivated for garden use, particularly in smaller spaces or container gardening.
Pink Pom Poms Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Pink Pom Poms’)
- Description: Known for its double pink flowers, which look more like pom-poms than the typical pea-shaped redbud blooms.
- Distribution: A recent introduction to the nursery trade, focused on ornamental appeal.
Whitewater Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Whitewater’)
- Description: Offers leaves that emerge with a white variegation that can turn to a cream or light green as they mature, with pink flowers.
- Distribution: Another variegated cultivar, selected for its striking foliage.
Flame Thrower Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘NC2016-2’ PP31,260)
- Description: Known for its multicolored foliage with hues of red, orange, and yellow against pink-purple flowers. It’s a relatively new cultivar.
- Distribution: Widely popular in the U.S. and Europe for landscaping.
Appalachian Red Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Appalachian Red’)
- Description: It features bright, neon pink flowers that are more vibrant than most redbuds. It reaches about 15-20 feet in height.
- Distribution: Commonly cultivated in the Appalachian region of the U.S., as well as in other temperate areas.
Lavender Twist Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’)
- Description: This is a weeping variety with lavender-pink flowers and arching branches, giving it a unique, cascading appearance.
- Distribution: A cultivated form of Eastern Redbud, suitable for various temperate landscapes.
California Redbud (Cercis occidentalis)
- Description: This tree has deep magenta flowers and rounded leaves that turn gold in fall. It grows 10-18 feet tall and is drought-tolerant.
- Distribution: Found along the West Coast of the U.S., especially in California, Nevada, and Arizona.