Eastern Redbud—Cercis canadensis

Small | Deciduous | Height: 20-30 feet | Spread: 20-35 feet

Eastern redbud is a native flowering tree that blooms in late winter, before the leaves appear. Copious clusters of fuchsia flowers attract many pollinators, including butterflies, and bees. The tree is adaptable and can tolerate full sun or part shade and moderately fertile clay or sandy soil. It does best in soils of average moisture and does not tolerate constantly wet soils. It does not transplant well, so plants should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible and should be kept well-watered until established. The flowers and young seed pods are edible. Fall color is gold. 

The plant holds great wildlife value as a larval host plant. Members of the genus Cercis support the specialized bee Habropoda laboriosa, as well as the lo moth, and you might see a rose-breasted grosbeak. 

More information on the characteristics and cultivation of this species can be found at  https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cercis-canadensis/