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Cercis canadensis

Common Name: Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Cercis canadensis

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Tracheophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Cercis
Species: Cercis canadensis

Conservation Status

Identifying Features

Eastern redbuds are small trees, growing up to 30’ tall. Its bark is dark brown-red and grooved. Occassionally, there are multiple twisted trunks.

The leaves are alternate and simple. They’re 2-6" long and heart-shaped with a symmetrical base.

Habitat & Range

Eastern redbuds grow in forests across the eastern half of the United States and southeastern Canada.

Life Cycle

Redbud flowers are bright pink to purple and appear in spring before the leaves. The seed pods start out green, and turn brown as they age. The seed pods look similar to a pea.

Redbud tree blooming at the Cayuga Nature Center by Katie Bagnall-Newman.
Redbud tree blooming at the Cayuga Nature Center by Katie Bagnall-Newman.

Featured image by James Dake.

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