It’s early spring (April 2nd) and one of the beautiful flowering trees in the garden now is Cercis Occidentalis (aka: California redbud or Western redbud). This California native tree, and also a native to South Western states like Utah and Arizona makes life colorful!
What’s so striking about this tree is that it bears flowers and fruits on bare branches: (botanically speaking this is known as ramiflorous.) So, what happens is that gangbuster flower clusters in magenta do a solo act of showcasing! When the flowers fade in spring, apple green leaves emerge and darken to blue green and will hold court until they turn pale yellow to a brilliant scarlet in autumn.
About Cercis Occidentalis
This is a small deciduous tree, sometimes a multi-trunked tree, or a shrub. Its native habitats include dry slopes and foothills of canyons below 3600 feet. Of all the many species of redbud, occidentalis, is the most heat and drought tolerant.
Flowering: As you can see from the photos, Cercis occidentalis is covered in masses of sweet-pea flowers colored rose-purple/ magenta blossoms. This proceeds the leaves in early spring which makes the flower extra showy. Flowers bloom between March and April and persist for 2 to 3 weeks.
Leaves: The 2-3 inch leaves on Western redbud are round and color is bluish to deep green above. Fall color ranges from pale yellow to brilliant scarlet; though fall color isn’t reliable in San Francisco.
Fruits: Following flowering, Cercis occidentalis will bear 3-inch-long brown legume pods which are very thin and dry. Flowers and young pods are edible.
Bloom time: February – April.
Exposure: full to part sun.
Water: normal to low.
Growth Rate: moderate.
Soil: Tolerates clay and acid soil.
Disease: resistant to oak root fungus; however, more susceptible to canker disease than nearly other species in this genus.
USDA Zone: 8-11.
Size: 7-20′ tall x 10-15′ wide.
Flower color: rose-purple/magenta.
Lifespan: 50 to 75 years.
Cercis occidentalis – Western redbud blooming in Mill Valley, CA. Early April. Amazing form and branching!
Close up: Tree just starting to leaf out
Same gorgeous tree fully leafed out with flowers gone in May!
Conclusion
People aren’t the only ones who enjoy this tree, when in flower so do hummingbirds and bumblebees. It’s a great choice for native, wildlife and drought tolerant gardens. Though short lived, this is a wonderful tree or shrub to include in the small garden.
Happy Gardening!
Nicole
If you’re looking to buy a live Redbud, Etsy sellers are offering plenty of Eastern Redbuds. Not as drought tolerant as the Western Redbud but just as stunning. You can find sellers selling Western Redbud seeds. Just click on the link or image to explore buying options.
Related Posts on Flowering Trees:
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Spotlight: Flowering Cherry Trees and Why they Made our Tree List!
Trees: Crape Myrtle, Summers Longest Bloomer
Tree Spotlight: Crataegus laevigata