A redbud tree is a small, deciduous tree or shrub in the genus Cercis. Found in the pea family (Fabaceae) along with legumes and beans, redbuds have the flower and seedpod forms that are typical for the family. 

Redbud species are native to temperate zones around the world, and their striking, year-round beauty has spread to gardens and yards everywhere. They are often the first bloomers in the spring with bright profuse flowers. This floral firework gives way to the fairytale heart-shaped leaves that bring with them a rainbow of colors. Depending on the variety, the leaves emerge in shades of dark purple and red, turn bright green in the summer, then fade to delectable oranges and yellows in the fall. They do lose their leaves before winter, but with silvery twisting branches, redbuds even look quite stunning with bare branches. For those that are eager to see gardens filled with flowering trees, the redbud is a great choice. In fact, they generally start flowering within the first four years!

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Fun Fact: Many parts of the redbud tree are edible! Native Americans ate the flowers and used the bark as a medicinal treatment for dysentery, whooping cough, congestion, and nausea. Add the flowers to a salad for a delicious and nutritious treat!

Here, we’ve included a list of both species and cultivars to celebrate the incredible diversity that these plants bring! (A species will persist and continue to reproduce similar individuals. Cultivars, on the other hand, are created by horticulturists and will not produce viable seeds.)

 

Redbud Species

 

There’s a bit of confusion as to exactly how many redbud species exist. Many were named twice by different botanists and only later found were synonymous. For our list, we’ve gathered the most common and well-accepted species from around the world. These are trees that you might encounter on a hike in your local woods! Which species is native to your region?

 

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

 

When most people think of the redbud, they picture the eastern redbud tree (it’s even the state tree of Oklahoma). It’s not only the most common in the United States, but it’s also the species from which most of the redbud cultivars are derived. Because of the multitude of variants, this beautiful tree graces gardens around the world. 

 

Fun Fact: Twelve species of butterflies and moths use the eastern redbud as a host plant for their eggs and larva! 

 

Native Distribution

 

Eastern and central North America

 

Habitat

 

Common to understories because of its stature, the eastern redbud can be found in moist rich woodlands, riparian areas, and meadow edges.

 

Characteristics

 

A deciduous tree, the eastern redbud may grow up to 30 feet tall with a stout trunk and branches. The bark is smooth in young trees and may develop ridges and furrows with age.

 

Leaves

 

Simple, cordate (heart-shaped) leaves are 3-5 inches long and arranged alternately. Dark green leaves turn to a rich yellow in the fall.

 

Flowers

 

The flowers are typically pink, but the variants of C. canadensis bring out purples, burgundies, lavenders, and reds. Learn more about the variants below!

 

Care

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 4-9
• Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Soil & Moisture: Tolerant of most soils, needs good drainage.

 

 

Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis)

 

If you are eager for the spectacle of the redbud tree and live in the western U.S., the western redbud will be a much better fit for your garden than C. canadensis. More tolerant of dry conditions, this hearty species is a semi-arid stunner! 

 

Native Distribution

 

California, Arizona, and Utah

 

Habitat

 

Scrubby slopes and foothills of western mountain ranges.

 

Characteristics

 

Smaller than its eastern counterpart, the western redbud only grows to be 10-15 feet tall. Silvery bark covers the branches and multiple trunks. 

 

Leaves

 

Leaves are cordate, alternate, and bluish-green, turning shades of yellow and red in the fall. 

 

Flowers

 

Deep magenta flower clusters line the branches.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
• Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Soil & Moisture: Tolerant of most soils, needs good drainage.

 

Chain Flowered Redbud (Cercis racemosa)

 

Native to East Asia, the chain flowered redbud is often propagated in the United States.  

 

Native Distribution

 

South & central China

 

Habitat

 

Found in moist temperate forests. 

 

Characteristics

 

Distinct from other redbuds with flowers that grow in racemes as opposed to along the branches. The trees grow to about 25 feet tall and are covered with silvery brown bark.

 

Leaves

 

Cordate, alternate leaves are bright green in the summer and yellow and gold are their fall colors. Different than other redbuds, they are slightly hairy on the undersides.

 

Flowers

 

Light pink flowers bloom in long chains (racemes) of up to 40 blooms.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9
• Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Soil & Moisture: Tolerant of most soils, needs good drainage.

 

 

Chinese Redbud (Cercis chinensis)

 

Another China native, the Chinese redbud is a towering member of the Cercis genus, at least in its native habitat. In China, trees often grow upwards of 50 feet. However, because of different environmental conditions in the U.S., Chinese redbuds are more of a shrub at only 8-15 feet tall. 

 

Native Distribution

 

Widely distributed across Central and Southern China

 

Habitat

 

Moist woodlands of central China.

 

Characteristics

 

Though very similar to C. canadensis, purple flower, longer seed pods, and smaller tree size are the best ways to distinguish the Chinese redbud. 

 

Leaves

 

Bright green, cordate leaves turn yellow in the fall. Notably, leaves are leathery and have five palmate veins.

 

Flowers

 

Pink and purple flowers bloom for 2-3 weeks in early spring.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 4a-9b
• Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Soil & Moisture: Needs well-draining soil with not too much clay.

Smooth Redbud (Cercis glabra)

 

Also known as Yunnan Redbud, this small tree is much less commonly propagated outside of its native range. However, some specimens can be found in United States arboretums. 

 

Native Distribution

 

East, central, and south China

 

Habitat

 

Forested slopes.

 

Characteristics

 

Dark bark covers the many branches of the smooth redbud. It grows on the taller side of the genus, reaching heights of 45 feet.

 

Leaves

 

Papery green leaves are more round or bean-shaped than is typical of redbuds and can be further identified by hairy veins on the undersides. 

 

Flowers

 

Rich pink flowers bloom in the early spring.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-8
• Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Soil & Moisture: Tolerant of most soils, needs good drainage.

Ching’s Redbud (Cercis chingii)

 

With most of the available data on Ching’s redbud coming from cultivated species in the U.S., it’s challenging to know what this species is like in its native habitats. 

Fun Fact: Ching’s redbud is often the earliest redbud to flower, giving it high horticultural value.

 

Native Distribution

 

China

 

Habitat

 

Common along roadsides and open woodlands.

 

Characteristics

 

This sprawling shrub is often wider than it is tall (at least based on individuals cultivated in the U.S.). The bark is gray and branches have sparse brown hairs when young.

 

Leaves

 

Green leaves are ovate to bean-shaped and leathery to the touch.

 

Flowers

 

Pink flowers grow in clusters similar to other Cercis species.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-9
• Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Soil & Moisture: Tolerant of most soils, needs good drainage.

 

 

European Redbud (Cercis siliquastrum)

 

Also called Judas Tree or Mediterranean redbud, this tree is known for having some of the largest full blooms in the redbud genus.

 

Native Distribution

 

Eastern Mediterranean

 

Habitat

 

Woodlands

Characteristics

 

With multiple trunks and a rounded crown, this tree grows to be 15-25 feet tall and wide.

 

Leaves

 

Cordate leaves are notable for their multiple color changes. They emerge reddish-bronze in spring, then turn a rich green for the growing season before changing to yellow and chestnut in the fall.

 

Flowers

Pink-to-purple flowers bloom in early spring.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
• Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Soil & Moisture: Tolerant of most soils, needs good drainage.

 

Redbud Cultivars & Varieties

 

With such impressive blooming habits, it’s no surprise that horticulturists have tried to breed redbuds to bring out favored characteristics. Nearly every species has accepted cultivars, with the most popular deriving from the eastern redbud. Here we’ve included what makes each cultivar stand out, along with some care tips so your redbud can truly thrive! 

Ace of Hearts (Cercis canadensis ‘Ace of Hearts’)

 

This cultivar embodies everything you love about redbuds, but just on a smaller scale. Though petite, the dark branches are filled with gorgeous pink blooms in the spring and richly colored leaves in the summer and fall.

 

Characteristics

 

Popular because of its smaller stature, this dwarf variety of the redbud is an excellent choice if you don’t have much room. Grows up to 12 feet tall and 15 feet wide.

 

Leaves

 

Shiny, dark green leaves turn yellow in the fall.

 

Flowers

 

Pinkish maroon flowers adorn the branches of this sweet little tree.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil & Moisture: Easy to grow in well-draining soils.

 

 

Lavender Twist Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Covey’)

 

One of the weeping varieties of redbud, this graceful shrub captivated year-round. Even in the winter, the twisted trunk and draping branches create a sculpture out of a tree.

 

Characteristics

 

A twisted trunk gives this cultivar its name, along with pink to purple flowers. Only growing to be 8-10 feet tall, this is another redbud for a small garden.

Leaves

 

Emerging a delightful burgundy in spring, the leaves transition to green before turning a light yellow in the fall.

 

Flowers

 

Pinkish purple flowers drape down with the weeping branches. 

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil & Moisture: Easy to grow in well-draining soils.

 

 

Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis)

 

Unlike the cultivars on this list, the Texas redbud is a true variety of the Eastern redbud. This simply means that it can produce viable seeds. Consistent with the name, you can find the Texas redbud in Texas and the neighboring state of Oklahoma. There are additional cultivars specific to this variety including Oklahoma Redbud and the Texas White redbud that has (you guessed it) white flowers.

 

Characteristics

 

This small tree bears most of the same characteristics as the eastern redbud. However, a couple of differences in its ability to withstand drier conditions distinguish it as a unique variety. 

 

Leaves

 

Similar to eastern redbud, but with a waxy cuticle that preserves water.

Flowers

 

Showy pink flowers bloom in early spring.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil & Moisture: Easy to grow in well-draining soils, drought tolerant.

 

 

Mexican Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. mexicana)

 

Another variety of the eastern redbud, there has been quite a bit of debate as to whether there is a distinction between the Texas redbud and the Mexican redbud. Along with a different geographic range, there also seems to be a consistent difference in the shape of the leaf blade.

 

Characteristics

 

Nearly identical to the Texas redbud, apart from the difference in range and leaf margin.

 

Leaves

 

Richly green leaves distinguish themselves from the Texas redbud with a slightly undulating margin.

Flowers

 

Profuse, pink flowers bloom.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil & Moisture: Tolerated most soil types, needs well-draining soils.

 

 

Forest Pansy Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’)

 

The incredibly popular ‘Forest Pansy’ cultivar stands out with its deep purple foliage and rosy pink flowers. In cooler climates, the foliage stays burgundy throughout the summer but lightens to green if the temperatures get warm enough.

 

Characteristics

 

Often multi-trunked, this showy tree commonly decorates understories of arboretums and flower vases on tabletops. The leaf color is the most notable aspect of this cultivar.

 

Leaves

 

Emerging and (depending on the climate) remaining dark purple throughout the growing season. The leaves turn red and orange in the fall.

Flowers

 

The blooms can be pink, purple, or lavender-pink.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil & Moisture: Easy to grow in well-draining soils and most soil types.

 

 

Hearts of Gold Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Hearts of Gold’)

 

With the cordate leaves fading through shades of yellow, a name like ‘Hearts of Gold’ comes pretty naturally. Small in stature and producing flowers in the first year, this cultivar makes a great candidate when you need a shrub border.

 

Characteristics

 

This shrub only grows to be about 10 feet tall with a domed canopy.

 

Leaves

 

The cordate leaves emerge orange, mature to bright gold, and fade to yellow-green, almost chartreuse, as the summer progresses.

Flowers

 

The flowers are light pink to lavender.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil & Moisture: Easy to grow in well-draining soils.

 

 

Ruby Falls Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Ruby Falls’)

 

Another redbud that takes a weeping form, the ruby falls is a small, compact tree. Flowing branches and small form truly resemble a cascade of flowers or leaves, depending on the season. But no matter the time of year, this tree is sure to bring elegance to any garden. 

 

Characteristics

 

One of the smallest of the redbuds, the ruby falls variety rarely tops 6 feet. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in graceful branching, richly colored leaves, and profusely blooming flowers.

 

Leaves

 

Cordate leaves are dark green tinged with maroon.

Flowers

 

Pink flowers bloom from dark red stems.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil & Moisture: Tolerates most soil types, needs well-draining soil.

 

Merlot Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Merlot’)

 

The Merlot redbud is a hybrid of the Forest Pansy cultivar and the Texas variant. As a result, it both bears gorgeous dark purple foliage and tolerates heat and drought.

 

Characteristics

 

Named for its wine-colored leaves that fade from purple to burgundy in the springtime, the Merlot redbud makes an incredible accent tree. Often growing wider than its 12-foot height, its short domed shape looks beautiful in an understory or as a centerpiece. 

 

Leaves

 

Heart-shaped leaves fade from purples to burgundy to dark, wine-stained green.

Flowers

 

Blooms are pink to lavender.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil & Moisture: Easy to grow in well-draining soils.

 

The Rising Sun Redbud (Cercis canadensis ‘Rising Sun’)

 

Another redbud to add color to your garden, the Rising Sun redbud offers spectacular color each year.

 

Characteristics

 

A smaller tree or shrub, the Rising Sun redbud only grows to be about 8-10 feet tall.

 

Leaves

 

New growth leaves emerge a pale apricot, transitioning to brilliant gold, and settle out as to bright green.

Flowers

 

Most have fuchsia flowers, but some pink or white forms exist.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
• Light: Full sun
• Soil & Moisture: Easy to grow in well-draining soils.

 

‘Alba’ Judas Tree (Cercis siliquastrum ‘Alba’)

 

A cultivar of the European redbud, the Alba Judas tree is a white-flowered variety, with light green foliage.

 

Characteristics

 

A spreading tree, this redbud has a wide, rounded shape and can grow about 25 feet tall and wide.

 

Leaves

 

Green foliage turns a rich yellow in the fall.

Flowers

 

Pure white flowers grow in clusters along the branches.

 

Care

 

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 6-9
• Light: Partial shade
• Soil & Moisture: Well-draining soils.

 

Life with Redbuds

 

Most redbud trees live for 25-40 years, so you can enjoy their beauty for a long time. As they age, however, redbuds become more susceptible to fungal disease. But with proper pruning and smart fungicide use, most issues are easy to prevent.

 

Redbud species and their cultivars provide beauty around the world. Understanding more about the different types of these gorgeous trees can help us feel more connected to the colorful plant life that surrounds us every day!