JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
CERCIS canadensis 'Flame'
Plant Common Name
Eastern Redbud, Flame Eastern Redbud
General Description
This distinctive redbud has a more upright, vase-shaped habit than others and becomes covered with bright double pink flowers in spring. 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.
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, double sweetpea-like flowers of pink. These are typically followed by dark brown seed pods, but 'Flame' rarely sets fruit.
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
20'-30' / 6.1m - 9.1m
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Width
18'-25' / 5.5m - 7.6m
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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
