Eastern Redbud

Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis

Least Concern

Quick Facts

Kingdom: Plantae
Abundance: Abundant
Habitat: Forest, Urban
Active Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall

An often ornamental tree with a short trunk, rounded crown, and pink flowers in the spring. The leaves are alternate, simple, and heart shaped. The Eastern Redbud is very showy in early spring, when the leafless twigs are covered with masses of reddish-pink flowers. The flowers can be eaten as a salad, or fried. Height: 20-30’ Spread:18-20’

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Cercis
Species: Cercis canadensis

Scientific Name

Cercis canadensis
Plant Type
Tree
Foliage
Deciduous
Flowering Season
March-May

Ecological Role

The flowers are pollinated by long-tongued bees such as Blueberry bees and Carpenter bees. The leaves are eaten by the caterpillars of various Lepidoptera species and are also a favorite of Leaf-Cutter bees which cut small portions of the leaves to use for nesting.

Active Seasons

Spring Summer Fall

Habitat Types

Forest
Urban

Geographic Distribution

Native to eastern North America from southern Michigan south to central Mexico, west to New Mexico

Local Abundance

Abundant

Conservation Status

Least Concern

This species is widespread and abundant. No immediate threat to survival.

How You Can Help

  • Report sightings to contribute to population monitoring
  • Support habitat conservation efforts
  • Follow guidelines when observing wildlife
No field notes or observations available for this species.

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