There are only two native species of redbud in North America: Eastern redbud, and California redbud. Neither species tolerates extreme cold or high altitude. Redbud is thus absent in most of Canada and in northern regions of the United States.

 

Native Regions

Eastern, Midwestern, Southwestern and Western United States and parts of Ontario. Absent from northwest and northcentral United States.

 

Availability

Routinely available

 

Duration

Perennial

 

Bloom Time

Spring

 

Average Height

15 feet

 

Flower Color

Pink
Red

 

Exposure

Full sun

 

Water Requirements

Average

 

Recommended Species

Cercis canadensis (Eastern redbud) is a native, perennial, deciduous tree, which grows 15 to 30 feet tall and is one of the first trees to bloom in the spring. As its name suggests, it is found primarily in the eastern states, but can be found as far west as Kansas and Texas. An abundance of pinkish-red flowers appear from March to May. Primary visitors are spring bees, though the Henry’s elfin butterfly (Callophyrus henrici) and hummingbirds utilize Eastern redbud for nectar.

 

Cercis orbiculata (California redbud) is native to California, Utah, and Arizona. It produces beautiful, pinkish-red blossoms in early to mid-spring that are visited for pollen and nectar by a number of spring bees, including bumble bees, mason bees, and carpenter bees. This 7 to 20-foot drought-tolerant species has been called one of California's most attractive flowering shrubs in gardeners' manuals and horticultural guides.