Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis
Fabaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · native
Last updated
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis, Fabaceae) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to eastern North America from New Jersey to Florida, west to Missouri and northern Mexico. It typically reaches 20 to 30 feet tall with a rounded, often multi-trunked form. Small rosy-pink pea-like flowers bloom profusely on bare branches in early spring before leaves emerge, making it a precocious bloomer. Dense, dark green, heart-shaped leaves turn golden yellow in fall. Flat pods (5 to 7.5 centimeters) may persist through winter.
Eastern redbud grows in part shade on moist, well-drained soils (pH 6.0 to 8.0) with low water needs and high drought tolerance, hardy in Zones 6b to 9b. It tolerates deer browse, clay soil, and black walnut proximity. The species does not transplant well and should be planted young. Documented diseases include vascular streak dieback and verticillium wilt. It is a larval host for 12 Lepidoptera species including Henry's Elfin butterfly. Cultivars include 'Forest Pansy' (purple foliage, 20 feet) and 'Ruby Falls' (weeping, 6 to 8 feet). A white-flowered form (var. alba) is also available.
Quick Facts
Phenological Calendar
As of April 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1070 to 1180.6 GDD₃₂. Eastern Redbud has passed 'full bloom' (973 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Apr 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 1,181 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 1,171 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 1,111 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 1,106 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,101 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,075 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,070 | 'Full bloom' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 838 | '' |
| ● 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' NOW | 973 | '' |
GDD = Growing Degree Days (base 32°F, Jan 1 start). Why base 32? Source GDD₅₀ thresholds from Herms 2004 (OSU, Secrest Arboretum, Ohio) and UMD IPMnet (Gill & Klick, mid-Atlantic), converted to GDD₃₂ via Kent bloom-date mapping. Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Apr 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Apr 19, 2026, then climate normals.