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Cercis canadensis var. texensis

Image of Cercis canadensis var. texensis

Gerald L. Klingaman

Family

Fabaceae

Botanical Name

Cercis canadensis var. texensis

Plant Common Name

Texas Redbud

General Description

Texas redbud is a variant of the common redbud found in Texas and Oklahoma. It is much more tolerant of heat and drought than eastern redbuds. Its waxy leaves are smaller and somewhat curled, adaptations that allow it to thrive in full sun and withstand drier soil conditions. It is almost always a large, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree.

In spring, before leaves emerge, prolific clusters of sweet pea-like flowers cover the branches tightly in colors that range from pink to white. These are followed by dark brown, pea-like seed pods that persist well after the leaves fall in autumn.

Texas redbud is a good tree for hot, dry sites with neutral to alkaline soils, but also grows moderately well outside its native range in more humid climates. It makes a pleasing specimen tree or shrub in western gardeners where eastern redbuds fail. Plant it with western bulbs and wildflowers that also shine in spring.

There are many desirable cultivars to choose from, such as 'Oklahoma', which has thick, glossy leaves and offers a profusion of wine-red flowers.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    6 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    15'-20' / 4.6m - 6.1m

  • Width

    12'-18' / 3.7m - 5.5m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring

  • Native To

    South-Central United States, Texas

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Purple, Pink, Light Pink, Magenta

  • Fruit Color

    Green, Brown, Chocolate

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Purple, Dark Green, Plum

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Yellow Green

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Sandy Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Fissured

  • Usage

    Feature Plant, Foundation, Mixed Border, Shade Trees

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes