All About Redbud varieties:
Scientific Nomenclature: Cercis canadensis (10+ common varieties; example: Cercis canadensis var. 'Alba' or Cercis canadensis var. 'Silver Cloud')
Common Names: American Judas tree, American redbud, eastern redbud
Mature Height: 20–30 feet
Mature Spread: 25–35 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Attracts Wildlife: Birds, mammals, select bee, butterfly and moth species
Messiness: Flowers bloom in spring and drop during summer. Fruits are oblong seed pods that mature during summer and can persist through winter, though many drop during autumn.
Shape: Round
Native to Kentucky: Yes
Preferred Soils: Redbud varietals are adaptable but prefer moist, well-drained clay, loam or sandy soils with high organic matter content. They have no preference over whether the soil is acidic (<6.0pH), neutral (6.0–8.0pH) or alkaline (>8.0pH).
Screening: Is not typically used as a screening or privacy plant but is often used as a border tree.
Drought Tolerance: Is intolerant of drought or heat.
Coniferous or Deciduous: Deciduous
Pruning: Redbud varietals often have weak branches that tend to break; prune the tree regularly to remove deadwood and broken limbs to help keep the tree vigorous.
Climate Quick Facts:
Following being planted as a sapling, over 20 years one redbud varietal will:
- Sequester ~547 pounds of CO2.
- Reduce stormwater runoff by 326 gallons