Cercis occidentalis

Common Names

Western Redbud, California Redbud, Red Bud

Summary

Western redbud is a native deciduous shrub or small tree from California, Arizona, and Utah, often multi‑trunk with a vase‑shaped crown and about 10–20 ft tall and 10–15 ft wide. It features heart‑shaped leaves 2–4 in long, with new growth coppery red, and in early spring produces magenta to pink pea‑like flowers on bare wood; seed pods are 2–3 in long and brown, persisting after flowering. Drought‑tolerant and adaptable to well‑drained soils including clay, it is hardy in USDA zones 6a–9b and acts as a nitrogen fixer that attracts bees and birds.

For cultivation, plant in full sun to partial shade in well‑drained soils, with deep irrigation every 1–2 weeks during the first two years and then monthly in summer; avoid soggy conditions. Prune after flowering to shape and for strong structure; propagation is by seed (ripe seed sown directly or stored seed requiring stratification) or by cuttings, with cultivars propagated by grafting onto seedlings or summer cuttings under mist. Common landscape uses include sidewalks cutouts, tree lawns, parking islands, containers, or as a specimen, with erosion control on slopes and wildlife value; pest issues can include aphids and scale, and verticillium wilt is a potential disease.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-20 feet

Spread

10-25 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 6-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, pH 5.0–8.0

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-8.0

Bloom Color

Magenta

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow to red

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Layering

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, Butterflies, Birds