Cercis canadensis, the eastern redbud, is a large deciduous shrub or small tree, native to North America. It is very hardy in zone 5, and sometimes in zone 4. It is the state tree of Oklahoma.

A choice shrub or smallish tree, becomes covered in pink flowers which start before the attractive heart-shaped leaves appear. The flowers are displayed over a very long period from spring into early summer.

Cercis canadensis is grown in parks and gardens. In the wild, eastern redbud is a frequent native understory tree in mixed forests and hedgerows. It is also much planted as a landscape ornamental plant.

The flowers are showy, light to dark magenta pink in color, 1.5 cm (1/2 in) long, appearing in clusters from spring to early summer, on bare stems before the leaves, sometimes on the trunk itself. The flowers are pollinated by long-tongued bees such as blueberry bees and carpenter bees.

The eastern redbud typically grows to 6-9 m (20-30 ft) tall with an 8-10 m (26-33 ft) spread. It generally has a short, often twisted trunk and spreading branches. A 10-year-old tree will generally be around 5 m (16 ft) tall. The bark is dark in color, smooth, later scaly with ridges somewhat apparent, sometimes with maroon patches.

Type: Hardy tree

Hardiness zone: 5-9

Height: 6-9m, 20-30'

Location: Sun

Seeds per packet: 20