Redbud

PEA FAMILY

Cercis occidentalis

Western Redbud Cercis occidentalis
Habitat & Elevation Dry slopes below 3,500′
Collection Flower: spring

Western Redbud Cercis occidentalis
Plant type Deciduous small tree or shrub
Size 10′ – 20’x10′ – 15′
Light Full sun to partial shade
Water Drought tolerant
Zone 7 to 10

A beautiful deciduous shrub that gives a spectacular floral display and provides year-round interest, Western Redbud is among the easiest native shrubs to grow. It is a multi-trunked large shrub or small tree growing up to 20′ tall.

In early spring or late winter, a profusion of small, bright magenta to pink blossoms cover the bare, gray to silver branches. Attractive, large, rounded leaves with heart-shaped bases emerge shortly after the bloom. Leaves grow to 3″ wide, and age to a dark blue-green, then turn bright yellow, orange or red in the fall before dropping from the branches. Flat seedpods develop by late summer and hang from the tree into winter. The bare, sculptural branches, covered with drooping seed pods present a picturesque display in the winter.

Although Western Redbud is tolerant of drought and a variety of exposures and soil types, it will perform best in well drained soils, produce more flowers in full sun with winter chill, and grow larger with some supplemental irrigation once established. It thrives in the hot summers and cold winters of the California foothills. Prune to remove the oldest trunks in the winter or after the blooming period. To rejuvenate an unpruned plant, cut the entire clump to the ground and allow to resprout.^{[18, 20]}

A versatile and undemanding plant to cultivate, Western Redbud can be used in naturalized settings, as a small patio tree or in a perennial or woodland garden. It is spectacular when combined with Ceanothus (Ceanothus species). Other plant companions are California Buckeye (Aesculus californica) Oaks (Quercus species) and Alumroot (Heuchera micrantha).