Chinese redbud (Cercis chinensis) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Chinese redbud is the Asian cousin of the native Eastern redbud, but it usually stays a compact, shrub with larger, deeper purple-pink flowers. Native to China, it's grown in US gardens in 6–9, and white-flowered cultivars are available too.

Appearance

Growth form: In US gardens it is usually a multi-stemmed shrub 8–15 ft (2.5–4.5 m) tall.
Leaves: Glossy, nearly round to heart-shaped leaves, 3–5 in (8–13 cm) long, ending in a point.
Flowers: Clusters of pea-like, purplish-pink flowers cover the bare branches.
Flowering time: In North Carolina gardens, it blooms for about 2–3 weeks in early spring before the leaves appear.
Fruit: Flat, brown, bean-like pods more than 3 in (8 cm) long ripen in fall.

Look-alikes

Eastern redbudCercis canadensis

Chinese redbud is usually a shorter, multi-stemmed shrub with somewhat larger, deeper purple flowers and longer pods. Eastern redbud usually grows as a small tree with one or two main trunks.

Why they get mixed upBoth have pink spring flowers on bare branches and heart-shaped leaves.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Gardens
Parks
Range: Native to central and southern China. In the US it is grown in gardens and parks as an ornamental.
Preferred conditions: Full sun to partial shade in well-drained clay, loam, or sandy soil; it dislikes wet ground. Rated for winter hardiness zones 6–9, but hard freezes can cause dieback, and it appreciates afternoon shade in hot climates.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms: White-flowered 'Alba' and compact, seedless 'Don Egolf' are cultivated forms.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

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