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California Native Plant

Cercis occidentalis

Western Redbud

Plant photo of: Cercis occidentalis
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme        Photographer: Steve Mullany/Frommer

 

Description

This deciduous shrub or small tree reaches 15' tall and 10' wide. Beautiful magenta flowers appear in spring, before the leaves appear. Foliage is apple green , turning yellow to red in the fall. Seed pods dangle on this tree in winter. Western Redbud prefers full sun but will appreciate afternoon shade in desert areas. It needs well draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. A tree of varying interest all year round!

 

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Height Range

12-25'

Flower Color

Pink, Purple

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Green, Yellow Green

Bark Color

Grey

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Very Low, Extra in Summer

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees

Design Styles

English Cottage, Mediterranean, Ranch, Woodland

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Multi-trunk Tree, Showy Flowers, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Foundation, Lawn, Patio, Park

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Erosion Control

Attracts Wildlife

Hummingbirds, Butterflies

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.