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Eastern Redbud
(Cercis canadensis)
Eastern Redbud is a forest gem. It is an ornamental understory and landscape tree distributed throughout the Carolinas. Commonly found in woodland settings, Eastern Redbud generally grows among larger forest trees and along the edges of woodland canopies. Because Eastern Redbud has year-long characteristics, it is desirable within recreational landscapes and within forests as supporting wildlife and pollinator habitats.
As winter clears, vibrant fuchsia and lavender blooms are a welcome and enchanting sight, declaring spring is in the air. These ecologically critical, early flowers are among the first to be enjoyed by specialized bees and a variety of butterflies. In the summer, Eastern Redbud features a sprawling canopy of vibrant heart-shaped leaves and then, in autumn, its foliage turns into a colorful display of crimson, burgundy, purple and copper tones.
Eastern Redbud is a delicate tree; It is quite sensitive to its environment. Because of this, it's very important to obtain Eastern Redbud trees that were grown locally from locally harvested seed. This helps them survive in your local climate conditions. Because their roots do not like to be disturbed by movement and vibrations, they should be planted in a calm setting rather than near roadways or upcoming construction sites.
In wild forest environments, young Eastern Redbud trees need a bit of protection. Although deer do not tend to seek out Eastern Redbud as a food source, they do graze on tender new growth, especially when it's easy to reach. Tree guards and proper pruning are recommended.
Sadly, because of its sensitivities, Eastern Redbud trees tend to have a very short lifespan; only about 20 years. However, a healthy, mature tree can consistently produce hundreds of seed pods every season, and because each of those seed pods typically has about 5 or 6 seeds within them, the chances of new redbuds sprouting throughout the forest are fantastic.
For more information regarding common diseases and pests of Eastern Redbud trees visit Clemson Cooperative Extension's Home and Garden Information Center.
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Conditions
Light:
Partial Shade to Full Sun.
The blooms are most abundant with exposure to full sun.
Soils:
- Loam, Sandy or Clay
- Soil pH 4.5 - 8.0
- Moist but not wet.
Avoid planting in compacted soil conditions.
Eastern Redbud benefits from diligent monitoring of soils and moisture content; in the wrong conditions, the tree can suffer from abiotic stress and eventually become vulnerable to insect attacks and fungal infections. Also, they may suffer on hot summer days. Morning hand watering across the entire root area will be necessary whenever temperatures above 90 degrees are expected.
Tolerance:
- Short-moderate dry spells when root system is kept moist.
Growth
Expect an Eastern Redbud to grow at a moderate pace in a rounded to flat-topped shape.
Mature height will be small, ranging from 20 feet to 30 feet tall with a spread of 15 feet to 35 feet and a divided trunk beginning quite near the trunk base.
Manufacturer's Specs
Carbon Storage Characteristics:
(Very Low)
- Very slight lifetime growth
- Very short lifespan
- Not a notable carbon sink
Carbon Storage Estimate for
Lifetime/Mature Tree:
*This estimate is wide ranging from Urban settings to Landscape/Forest settings
- CO₂e = 0.15 to 0.3 tons
Pollution/Dust Interception:
- Low
Tropospheric Ozone Tolerance:
- Low
Flood/Stormwater Abatement:
- Low
Oxygen Yield:
- Low