Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis 
Redbud is a small to medium understory tree found in nearly every county in Missouri. It is very showy in the spring when the leafless twigs are covered with masses of pink flowers. Redbud is often planted as an ornamental but also makes an attractive addition to wildlife or windbreak plantings.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 30 ft
- Spread
- 30 ft
- Leaves
- alternate, simple, heart-shaped, 3" - 5" long, dark green
- Flowers
- purplish-pink, pea-like; appearing before the leaves in spring
- Fruit
- flat pod, 3" long containing small seeds
- Bark
- dark gray or brown with reddish inner bark showing
- Associated species
- black, white, post and blackjack oak, hickory, flowering dogwood
- Ideal site conditions
- average soil, shade
- Value to man
- landscaping, windbreaks
- Value to wildlife
- food
- Growth Rate
- medium
- Range
