JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
Cercis canadensis f. alba
Plant Common Name
Eastern Redbud, White-flowered Eastern Redbud
General Description
The white flowers of this natural variety of eastern redbud set it apart from the others. Eastern redbud is a medium-sized tree that is native to eastern and central North America. Prized as both a specimen tree and small shade tree, it may be multi-stemmed or single-trunked and has a broad, rounded or spreading canopy.
Eastern redbud has very distinctive large, heart-shaped leaves that are often tinted with purple when they first emerge, turn medium green shortly after and then yellow in fall. In spring, before the leaves emerge, its brown branches become covered with clusters of small, sweetpea-like flowers of white. These are followed by dark brown seed pods that persist well after the leaves fall in autumn.
Grow this fine tree in sites with full to partial sun and fertile, well-drained but evenly moist soil. It is naturally found growing in uplands and lowlands and is well adapted to a wide range of soil types. It can also grow in shadier sites but will not develop a full robust canopy in an understory. It is a fine small shade tree for naturalistic landscapes as well as more formal gardens.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
3 - 9
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
25'-30' / 7.6m - 9.1m
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Width
25'-30' / 7.6m - 9.1m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Northeastern United States, Mid-Atlantic United States, Southeastern United States, North-Central United States, Central United States, South-Central United States, Southwestern United States, Canada
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Brown, Chocolate
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Purple, Plum
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Yellow Green
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Bark Color
Brown, Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
No
