Redbud Varieties

All About Redbud varieties:

Scientific Nomenclature: Cercis canadensis (10+ common varieties; example: Cercis canadensis var. 'Alba' or Cercis canadensis var. 'Silver Cloud')

Common Names: American Judas tree, American redbud, eastern redbud

Mature Height: 20–30 feet

Mature Spread: 25–35 feet 

Growth Rate: Moderate 

Attracts Wildlife: Birds, mammals, select bee, butterfly and moth species

Messiness: Flowers bloom in spring and drop during summer. Fruits are oblong seed pods that mature during summer and can persist through winter, though many drop during autumn.

Shape: Round

Native to Kentucky: Yes

Preferred Soils: Redbud varietals are adaptable but prefer moist, well-drained clay, loam or sandy soils with high organic matter content. They have no preference over whether the soil is acidic (<6.0pH), neutral (6.0–8.0pH) or alkaline (>8.0pH).

Screening: Is not typically used as a screening or privacy plant but is often used as a border tree.

Drought Tolerance: Is intolerant of drought or heat.

Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous

Pruning: Redbud varietals often have weak branches that tend to break; prune the tree regularly to remove deadwood and broken limbs to help keep the tree vigorous.

Climate Quick Facts:

Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one redbud varietal will:

  • Sequester ~547 pounds of CO2.
  • Reduce stormwater runoff by 326 gallons

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