Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis

A small native understory tree; rosy-pink flowers clothe the bare branches in early spring, with heart-shaped leaves.

Sun
full sun to part shade
Water
moderate
Mature size
20-30 ft × 25-35 ft
Bloom
Rosy-pink/magenta flowers on bare branches in early spring, before leaf-out.
Hardiness
USDA Zones 4–9

Care guide

Quick ID

Small ornamental/understory tree (*Cercis canadensis*). Rosy-pink, pea-like flowers clothe the bare branches in early spring, before the heart-shaped leaves emerge.

Sun & Site

Full sun to part shade; tolerates a range of soils if well-drained. In Draper's high-UV, intense sun, light afternoon shade reduces leaf scorch on young trees.

Pruning & Shaping

Prune immediately after flowering (blooms on old wood). Remove dead, crossing, or rubbing branches and establish good structure while young; avoid heavy cuts.

Notes

The NW3 specimen is established 15+ years and casts the east-end part-shade that the Mock Orange beneath it inherits.