Appalachian Red Redbud is a small popular native deciduous tree with multiple trunks and a rounded crown.  Papery heart shaped dark blue-green foliage turns yellow in fall.  The heavy profusion of small fuschia pink to red flowers contrast starkly against the bare near-black bark in early spring attracting butterflies.  Following the flowers are bean-like seed pods that mature in summer and can persist until winter.  Prefers partial sun and rich well-drained soils with consistent moisture.  Tolerates deer and Black Walnuts.

Cercis canadensis is an important host for the Henry's Elfin Butterfly and supports a specialized bee- the Southeast Blueberry Bee.  Its nectar is an early food source for several butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.  The seedpods are enjoyed by birds and wildlife. 

MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Low maintenance.  Canker can be a significant disease problem. Various diseases and pests and be prevented with regular watering and pruning of dead branches. Does not transplant well, plant when young and leave undisturbed.

LANDSCAPE USES: Specimen or mass plantings, Borders, Naturalized Areas, Woodland Garden, Wildlife Gardens, Screening, Shade Tree, and Street Tree. 

COMPANION PLANTS: Mahonia, Hydrangea, Witch Hazel

IMAGES: Photo by David J. Stang, Cercis canadensis Appalachian Red 1zz, CC BY-SA 4.0, (2) Photo by cultivar413, 160430 067 The High Line, (3) Famartin, 2021-04-13 18 14 27 Flowers on an Eastern Redbud within Horsepen Run Stream Valley Park in Oak Hill, Fairfax County, Virginia, CC BY-SA 4.0, (4) Photo by David J. Stang, Cercis canadensis Appalachian Red 0zz, CC BY-SA 4.0, (5) Photo by David J. Stang, Cercis canadensis Appalachian Red 4zz, CC BY-SA 4.0

*As plants have ranges in appearance they may not appear as the images shown.