Cercis occidentalis      
Western redbud    
Fabaceae Family     

leaf form

Form: shrub, or can be trained to single or multi-stemmed tree
Seasonality: deciduous
Size: 15ft tall with equal spread
Leaves: dark green, heart-shaped; emerge in spring after flowers
Flowers: small pinkish-purple, on bare wood before new spring leaves, pea-shaped
Fruit: brown bean pods
Stems/Trunks: gray
Range/Origin: Chihuahuan desert, found in washes
Hardiness: to 10°F

LANDSCAPE VALUE:

• vibrant spring color
• fall color (leaves)
• patio tree

Cercis occidentalis in spring just coming out of dormancy

same specimen, 2 months later

 

CULTURAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exposure: full sun to part shade
• Water: drought resistant; soak root zone once/month when established
• Soil: tolerant, good drainage
• Propagation: seed
• Maintenance: low to none; rake fallen leaves; prune to train shape if desired

Research by Master Gardener Jodie Bagley

NOTES:

flower on Cercis occidentalis

Very similar to Cercis canadensis (Mexican redbud); some references use the names interchangeably. C. occidentalis is more shrub-like; C. canadensis is a larger tree.

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This page was first created May 31, 2006 and last modified May 31, 2006.

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