Eastern Redbud

Lily Heidrich

The Eastern Redbud is native to the region of eastern North America. Specifically, its native geographic range stretches from south Michigan to central Mexico. Its native range goes as far west as Oklahoma and as far east as the Atlantic coast.

Though the Eastern Redbud is native to eastern North America, it does thrive in certain conditions in the west. The Eastern Redbud can also be found in places such as California, Idaho, and southern Ontario. It thrives in the USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9 across the US. 

The Eastern Redbud grows in the understory of moist and lush hardwood forests, along the banks of streams and ravines, as well as in valley slopes. The Redbud is also planted on certain landscapes as an ornamental plant. Its trunk is relatively short, and its branches create a rounded crown at the top. Pink flowers cover the tree in spring, making it very eye-catching.

The redbud grows best in moist, well-drained soils. Other soil preferences include a variety of soil types, ranging from clay to sand. It can withstand a variety of pH ranges as well, ranging from acid to alkaline. The Redbud grows in full sun and partial shade, requiring at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. 

Able to grow in a variety of climatic conditions, the Redbud thrives in hot and dry conditions in regions as far south as Texas and Mexico. In central Florida, the Redbud can thrive in moist, humid conditions.

It can also grow in cold and wet conditions, withstanding about 35 in. of annual snowfall in the northern-most region of its range.

It grows in temperatures ranging from 18° F to 79° F, and can withstand temperatures ranging from -20° F to 103° F. 

The Eastern Redbud is known for its heart-shaped leaves that are a reddish, pink color in the spring. 

Then, its leaves turn a dark green color in the summer.

In autumn, the leaves then turn a bright yellow.

Ecosystem Services

Redbud flowers produce nectar, attracting a variety of insects.

Butterflies, caterpillars, scale insects, spider mites, bees, and other pollinating insects benefit from the services provided by the Redbud.

The seeds produce food for birds such as the Northern bobwhite, chickadees, quail, cardinals, and grosbeaks. Other animals such as wild turkeys, deer and squirrels also enjoy the food produced by the Redbud.

Eastern Redbuds also provide shelter for birds and mammals, providing a home for nesting and nesting materials.

The Eastern Redbud provides critical ecosystem services for both humans and animals:

  • provides food and shelter for wildlife
  • produces nectar and pollen for pollination
  • absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere
  • stores carbon
  • purifies water
  • removes atmospheric nitrogen

History of the Eastern Redbud

The first record of the Eastern Redbud in North American history was made by early settlers during colonial times. By 1700, this tree covered in pink flowers was named the Redbud, as colonial gardeners, even George Washington and Thomas Jefferson referred to it by this name. George Washington was allegedly very fond of the Redbud, as his diary entries noted that he would plant them in his garden. In 1937, the Eastern Redbud was chosen as the state tree of Oklahoma, and it remains the state tree to this day.

Humans purposely introduced the Eastern Redbud to parts of Idaho, including Boise. Outside of its native range, Redbuds are planted and grown to serve as ornamental trees. Bringing beauty and bright colors, this tree is perfect for just about any landscape. Today, it is mostly used as a decorative tree. 

For centuries, the Redbud has been utilized by native peoples for various purposes.

Extract from the Redbuds bark and roots are used by indigenous people to treat colds, fevers, flu, congestion, coughs, diarrhea, dysentery, and other medical issues.

Branches and stems from the Redbud are used for basketry. Flowers and young pods are eaten raw or boiled, and the seeds are roasted for consumption. Native people also use extract from the roots to create red dyes.

Either fresh or fried, Redbud flowers are used in a variety of delicious recipes. They can be eaten in salads, as well as made into jellies, relishes, muffins, pound cakes, cornbread, and more.

The Redbud is an important ornamental tree. It is a beautiful, colorful tree used to decorate landscapes across the US. It is easy to maintain, and people enjoy having it in their vicinity. 

Potential Threats

·      Dieback

·      Canker disease (Botrysphaeria canker)

·      Leaf spots (most vulnerable in wet conditions)

·      Verticillium Wilt

·      Blights

·      Root rot

Tree Management

Eastern Redbuds are relatively easy to maintain with minimal effort. Though Redbuds can tolerate dry conditions, regular watering should occur. To help the tree retain moisture, it is recommended that about 3 inches of mulch is placed around the trunk. 

To maintain health and natural growth, Redbuds should be pruned in the fall or right after flowering. 

  • Remove dead limbs, weak forks, or crowded branches as needed. 

Though Redbuds are susceptible to fungal infections, dieback, canker disease, leaf spots, and verticillium wilt, these can be avoided with:

  • Early identification of the issue
  • Removal of the affected area

Sources

American Redbudcercis canadensis. American Redbud Tree on the Tree Guide at arborday.org. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2021, from  https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=912 .

Cercis canadensis (redbud) fabaceae (Leguminosae). Cercis canadensis (Redbud) Fabaceae (Leguminosae). (2020). Retrieved October 7, 2021, from  https://www.lakeforest.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/environmental-studies/cercis-canadensisand160(redbud)-fabaceae-(leguminosae) .

Eastern Redbud (cercis canadensis). American Forests. (2018, September 7). Retrieved October 7, 2021, from  https://www.americanforests.org/big-trees/eastern-redbud-cercis-canadensis/#:~:text=This%20tree%20is%20recognized%20not,storing%20carbon%20in%20its%20wood .

Eastern Redbud. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. (2019). Retrieved October 7, 2021, from  https://bernheim.org/learn/trees-plants/bernheim-select-urban-trees/eastern-redbud/ .

Eastern Redbud. USDA plants database. (n.d.). Retrieved October 7, 2021, from  http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_frve.pdf .

G, G. D. (2018, November 30). Plant database. Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - The University of Texas at Austin. Retrieved October 7, 2021, from  https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ceca4 .

The Friends of the Wild Flower Garden. Eastern Redbud, Cercis canadensis L. (2015). Retrieved October 7, 2021, from  https://www.friendsofthewildflowergarden.org/pages/plants/redbud.html .