Eastern Redbud Cercis canadensis 500 Seeds USA Company

Cercis canadensis, commonly known as Eastern Redbud, is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree that typically reaches heights of 20 to 30 feet (6 to 9 meters) and spreads about 25 to 35 feet (7.6 to 10.7 meters) wide. It has a rounded crown with spreading branches.

The leaves are alternate, simple, and heart-shaped, measuring 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 centimeters) in length. They emerge reddish-purple in spring, mature to a medium green in summer, and turn yellow in autumn before dropping.

One of the most striking features of Cercis canadensis is its flowers. Clusters of small, pink to purple, pea-like flowers appear along the branches in early spring before the leaves emerge. These flowers give the tree a picturesque appearance and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

The fruits of Cercis canadensis are flattened, legume-like pods that develop in summer and persist into winter. These pods contain seeds that are dispersed by birds and other wildlife.

Eastern Redbud is valued not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its adaptability to a range of soil types and its ability to thrive in both full sun and partial shade. It is often used in landscaping, gardens, and as a specimen tree in residential and urban settings. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Growing Instructions for the Eastern Redbud

The seeds have a period of dormancy. They can be planted outdoors in the fall or winter for spring germination or they can be cold stratified to simulate winter conditions and to break their dormancy at any time of the year. 1. Scarify the seeds by nicking or sanding the seed coat. The seeds can be sanded with sandpaper, a nail file or an emery board. 2. Soak the seeds in water for several hours. 3. Put the seeds in a ziplock bag. 4. Put the bag in the refrigerator and leave it there for 3 months. 5. The seeds like moist, well-drained soil. Prepare a mixture of half potting soil and half sand, perlite or vermiculite. Put the soil in a pot. 6. Sow the seeds on the soil. 7. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil. 8. Water the soil so that it is moist but not wet. 9. When the seedlings are a few inches tall, they can be transplanted.