eastern redbud
Cercis canadensis L.
Eastern redbud makes its spring display before the canopy fills with leaves. Tight clusters of pink to light-purple, pea-shaped flowers appear directly on branches and older wood. The effect follows the structure of the tree itself, emphasizing its spreading framework. This is a small deciduous member of the bean family, often growing beneath taller woodland trees. NC State Extension: Eastern redbud
Botanical name
Kew accepts Cercis canadensis L.; the species includes several regional subspecies, none selected here. Kew POWO: Cercis canadensis
Recognizing the plant
The simple leaves are arranged alternately and commonly have broad, heart-shaped bases, pointed tips and smooth margins. Their shape differs across regional forms. Flattened, oblong pods develop after flowering, changing from green to brown and sometimes remaining attached into winter. Young bark is relatively smooth; older trunks develop narrow plates and scales, adding texture beyond the flowering season. NC State Extension: Eastern redbud
Bloom window
North Carolina regional horticultural account
North Carolina’s extension account places the flowering display in spring, from March through May. NC State Extension: Eastern redbud
Native range
The species is native from southeastern Canada through parts of the United States into northeastern and east-central Mexico. This is the range of the whole species, including its geographically differentiated forms. Kew POWO: Cercis canadensis
Botanical sources
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.