Cercis occidentalis

Identification

Gallery

Description

Western Redbud, Cercis occidentalis is a deciduous shrub to small tree, magenta flowers occur in spring, Feb.-April.. Western Redbud is native on dry slopes (usually next to a spring or seasonal creek), coast ranges and Sierra foothills to 4500', east to Utah.  Likes full sun, some summer water for faster growth, regular water in desert areas. It's tolerant of clay soils, needs a winter chill before flowers set properly. Flowers and young pods are edible. The young, small redbud plants are not cold hardy below 20 degrees F. Older plants are no problem at 10 degrees F. or less. Tolerant of lime or acid soils, pH 5.5-8 is safe. In our climate Western Redbud flowers about the same time as Ceanothus, and brings in people from the road who want to know what it is. The flowers usually emerge before the leaves. Its reddish-purple seed pods hang on tree in winter. We used to never have problems with scale, now with Argentine ants there can be a problem. If you get scale, treat with Safer soap, and deal with the ants. Also, the Eastern Redbud, Cercis canadensis has more problems in a California garden than the Western Redbud. They can be very unhappy,  homesick and usually just sick.
The only real problems we've had with Western Redbud, Cercis occidentalis,  is the need for four seasons. If you plant a Redbud next to the ocean, they may not do dormant, or they may not come out of dormancy. If your garden has never seen frost, Western Redbud may not be for you. If you live in Montana and experience winter temperatures below 0F, Western Redbud is not for you. If you have a typical 20X50 foot front yard in Lodi, Redbud may be the perfect small tree for you. Syn. Cercis orbiculata, Cercis canadensis var. orbiculata