Cercis canadensis (Redbud)

This is a deciduous tree whose leaves are shaped like hearts and whose rich purple pea-like flowers are structured so that only specific long tongued insects can reach the nectar, which is probably why it can be a bit shy of setting seed here in the UK. It can grow 8 or 9m tall with an even wider-spreading crown.  

Its natural habitat covers a large area, and as a consequence, this is a tree that has adapted to a range of conditions, which means that it’s an easy plant to grow: happy in most soils, fairly dry to fairly wet, and in sun to light shade. 

Historically, the flowers, seeds and young twigs used to be eaten raw or roasted by the indigenous people. 

The name is interesting. The ‘cercis’ bit is Greek and refers to the shape of the bean pods which are like the weavers’ shuttles of ancient Greece. The ‘canadensis’ part though can be a little confusing; although Cercis canadensis does grow as far north as the Canadian border, the bulk of the population thrives much further south.  

NB. The ‘Additional Information’ on our website states that the origin is South America, but it is actually from the southeastern parts of North America.