Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Fabaceae
Botanical Name
Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'Oklahoma'
Plant Common Name
Oklahoma Redbud, Texas Redbud
General Description
Texas redbud is a variant of the common redbud, found in Texas and Oklahoma and more adapted to heat and drought. The cultivar 'Oklahoma' is an outstandingly tough and heavy flowering selection, widely adapted and tolerant of heat, humidity and sun.
The shiny, heart-like leaves are thick and waxy. It is sometimes a multi-stemmed shrub, usually a tree. In spring, before leaves emerge, clusters of sweet pea-like, rosy wine-red flowers cover the branches thickly. These are followed by dark brown seed pods that persist well after the the leaves fall in autumn.
Texas redbuds are good trees for hot, dry sites and alkaline soils, but 'Oklahoma' does well outside its native range in more humid climates. For best flowering, grow 'Oklahoma' in full sun to partial sun on rich, well-drained soil, with good moisture. It makes an eye-catching specimen tree, especially in early spring when every branch and twig and even the trunk is heavily flocked with flowers.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
9 - 6
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USDA Hardiness Zone
6 - 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
15'-20' / 4.6m - 6.1m
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Width
12'-18' / 3.7m - 5.5m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring
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Native To
North America, United States, South-Central United States, Texas
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Magenta, Fuchsia, Rose
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Fruit Color
Brown, Chocolate
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, 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
