Redbud, Bare Root

Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

A small flowering tree for woodland edges and mixed native gardens. These species seedlings offer pink-to-purple spring bloom rather than the uniform leaves or habit of a named cultivar.

Key Characteristics

Flowers before the canopy closes

Bees visit flowers along the branches before the heart-shaped leaves emerge. Plant where early bloom can catch sunlight at a woodland edge.

Henry's elfin has a host here

Redbud supports Henry's elfin caterpillars. Leafcutter bees may also cut small sections from leaves for nests; neat circular cuts are not usually a disease.

A lower tree layer

Use it beneath or beside taller trees with good drainage. Keep lawn herbicides away from the roots and trunk, and avoid moving established plants.

Product Details

• Native range: Eastern and central North America
• Life cycle: Deciduous woody perennial tree
• Sun: Full Sun; Part Sun/Shade
• Soil moisture: Medium-Dry; Medium
• Mature height: 20–30 feet; varies with seedling and site
• Bloom time: March–April
• Bloom color: Pink, Purple, Lavender
• USDA hardiness zones: 4–9
• Fruit or seed: Flat seed pods follow the flowers; wildlife may use the seeds.
• Pollination: Insect-pollinated; no named partner is needed for ornamental bloom.

Planting and Ongoing Care

Keep bare roots moist until planting and spread roots without bending them into a tight hole. Water during establishment, mulch clear of the trunk, and protect young trees from browsing and mowing damage. Base feeding on a soil test; our Tree Planting Kit fertilizer blend can be used according to its label when needed.

Reduce drought and herbicide stress. Remove cankered or dead branches appropriately and inspect declining trees before treatment. Avoid insecticides on open flowers. These are seedlings rather than selected clones, so growth, flowering, and fruiting vary.