15 Popular Types Of Cercis Pictorial Guide

Cercis, also known as the redbud tree, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae. This group of trees and shrubs is native to North America, Europe, and Asia, and it is particularly famous for its beautiful pink and purple flowers that bloom in the spring.

Cercis trees can grow to be quite large, reaching up to 30 feet in height and spreading up to 25 feet wide. They typically have a low-branching habit, with a wide-spreading crown and a rounded shape. The leaves are heart-shaped and have a shiny texture, making them an attractive addition to any landscape.

One of the most striking features of Cercis trees is their flowers. In the spring, the branches of the tree are covered in clusters of small, bright pink or purple blossoms that seem to explode in color against the tree’s dark bark. The flowers are followed by seed pods that resemble pea pods and turn brown as they mature.

Cercis trees are easy to grow and maintain, making them a popular choice for home gardeners and landscapers. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun or partial shade. They are tolerant of a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, but they do not like to be planted in soil that is too wet.

In addition to their ornamental value, Cercis trees also have some practical uses. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, and it is sometimes used to make furniture, tool handles, and other small items. The tree is also sometimes used for erosion control and as a source of food for wildlife.

Overall, Cercis is a beautiful and versatile tree that is well-suited to a wide range of climates and growing conditions. Whether you are looking to add some color to your garden or simply want to enjoy the beauty of this remarkable plant, Cercis is definitely worth considering.

Here are the 15 Popular Types Of Cercis Pictorial Guide:

Cercis Siliquastrum Var. Alba – White Judas Tree

Cercis Siliquastrum var. Alba, commonly known as White Judas Tree, is a small deciduous tree with a rounded crown and a striking display of pure white flowers in early spring. It is a variant of the Mediterranean Cercis Siliquastrum, but with white flowers instead of the usual pink. The tree produces large, heart-shaped leaves and flat, bean-like seed pods in late summer. It is a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks, valued for its delicate beauty and attractive foliage.

Cercis Racemosa var. Avondale – Avondale Redbud

Cercis Racemosa var. Avondale, also known as Avondale Redbud, is a deciduous tree species native to North America. It is known for its striking display of pink to magenta flowers that bloom in clusters along its bare branches before the leaves appear in the spring. The Avondale variety is particularly prized for its deep red-purple flowers and upright growth habit, making it a popular ornamental tree in gardens and landscapes.

Cercis Japonica – Japanese Redbud

Cercis Japonica, commonly known as the Japanese Redbud, is a small deciduous tree native to Japan. It is prized for its spectacular display of bright pink to magenta flowers in early spring, which bloom directly on its bark and branches before the leaves appear. Its heart-shaped leaves are also an attractive feature, turning yellow in the fall before dropping. The Japanese Redbud prefers well-drained soil and partial shade, and is a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks.

Cercis Canadensis var. Texensis – Texas Redbud

Cercis Canadensis Var. Texensis, commonly known as Texas Redbud, is a deciduous small tree or large shrub native to Texas and Oklahoma in the United States. It is known for its showy pink to purple flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge. In the fall, the heart-shaped leaves become yellow. The tree prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils. Due to its beautiful flowers and foliage, it is a well-liked ornamental tree in gardens and parks.

Cercis Yunnanensis – Yunnan Redbud

Cercis Yunnanensis, commonly known as Yunnan Redbud, is a small deciduous tree native to the Yunnan province of China. It is known for its attractive purplish-pink flowers that bloom in early spring, before the leaves emerge. The tree also produces flat, brown seed pods in the fall that remain on the tree throughout the winter. Yunnan Redbud is a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its beautiful flowers and compact size.

Cercis Racemosa – Cluster Redbud

Cercis Racemosa, commonly known as Cluster Redbud, is a small deciduous tree native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 10-20 feet and produces bright pink to red flowers in dense clusters along its branches in early spring. The leaves are heart-shaped and range in color from green to bluish-green. The tree is valued for its ornamental beauty and is often planted as a specimen tree in gardens and landscapes. It is also important ecologically, providing food and habitat for a variety of wildlife.

Cercis Siliquastrum – Judas Tree

Cercis Siliquastrum, commonly known as the Judas Tree, is a small deciduous tree that is native to the Mediterranean region. It is known for its striking pink-purple flowers that bloom in the spring before the leaves emerge. The tree has a rounded crown and heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall. The Judas tree is a popular ornamental plant due to its beauty and tolerance for dry conditions. Its name comes from the legend that Judas Iscariot hanged himself from a tree of this species after betraying Jesus.

Cercis Reniformis – Oklahoma Redbud

Cercis Reniformis, commonly known as Oklahoma Redbud, is a small deciduous tree native to North America. It is known for its striking reddish-purple flowers that bloom in early spring before its leaves emerge. The leaves of the Oklahoma Redbud are heart-shaped and turn yellow in the fall. This tree is popular for landscaping due to its compact size and ornamental value. It prefers well-drained soils and partial shade, making it an excellent choice for gardens and urban landscapes.

Cercis Occidentalis – Western Redbud

Cercis Occidentalis, A deciduous shrub or small tree endemic to western North America, Western Redbud is also known as Western Redbud. The heart-shaped leaves are green during the growing season, turning yellow in the fall before dropping. The Western Redbud is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes, valued for its attractive foliage and showy flowers. It is also important as a habitat and food source for various wildlife species.

Cercis Mexicana – Mexican Redbud

Cercis Mexicana, also known as Mexican Redbud, is a small deciduous tree native to Mexico. It is characterized by its attractive purplish-pink flowers, which bloom in clusters on the branches and trunk in early spring. The leaves are heart-shaped and range in color from green to reddish-purple. Mexican Redbud is commonly used as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its striking appearance and adaptability to different soil types. It also provides food and habitat for various wildlife species.

Cercis Griffithii – Griffith’s Redbud

Cercis Griffithii, commonly known as Griffith’s Redbud, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub native to China and cultivated for its attractive pink to reddish-purple flowers that bloom in early spring before the foliage emerges. The leaves are heart-shaped and turn yellow in the fall, adding to the tree’s ornamental value. Griffith’s Redbud is a popular choice for small gardens, as it is relatively low-maintenance and can tolerate a range of soil types and light conditions.

Cercis Glabra – Smooth Redbud

Cercis Glabra, commonly known as Smooth Redbud, is a deciduous shrub or small tree species native to the southeastern United States. It is known for its showy pink to purple flowers that bloom in early spring, before the emergence of its glossy green, heart-shaped leaves. The bark of this species is smooth and gray in color, and its fruits are flat, brown pods that persist into the winter months. Smooth Redbud is a popular ornamental plant in gardens and parks due to its attractive appearance and ability to attract pollinators.

Cercis Gigantea – Giant Redbud

Cercis Gigantea, commonly known as Giant Redbud, is a species of flowering tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Mexico and is characterized by its large heart-shaped leaves and vibrant pink or purple flowers that bloom in the spring. The Giant Redbud is an ornamental tree that is often planted in gardens and parks for its striking beauty and ability to attract pollinators. It can reach up to 30 feet in height and is known for its drought tolerance and adaptability to a variety of soil types.

Cercis Chinensis – Chinese Redbud

Cercis Chinensis, commonly known as Chinese Redbud, is a deciduous tree native to China. It is a small to medium-sized tree with a rounded crown and beautiful pink to purple-red flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge. The leaves are heart-shaped and turn yellow in the fall.Chinese Redbud is a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its attractive flowers and foliage.

Cercis Canadensis – Eastern Redbud

Cercis Canadensis, commonly known as Eastern Redbud, is a small deciduous tree native to North America. It is popular for its striking pink or purple flowers that bloom in early spring, before the tree produces heart-shaped leaves that turn green in the summer and yellow in the fall. The Eastern Redbud is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and can grow up to 30 feet tall, making it a great addition to gardens, parks, and landscapes.

How To Grow And Care For Cercis

Cercis, commonly known as redbud, is a genus of small trees and shrubs native to North America, Europe, and Asia. These plants are prized for their stunning display of pink or purple flowers in early spring, followed by heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in the fall. Here are some tips on how to grow and care for Cercis:

• Planting: Cercis prefers well-draining, fertile soil and full sun to partial shade. Plant the tree or shrub in the spring or fall, and make sure the planting hole is twice the width of the root ball.

• Watering: Cercis needs regular watering, especially during the first year after planting. Water deeply once a week during dry spells, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears. Use a slow-release fertilizer or organic compost to promote healthy growth and flowering.

• Pruning: Cercis does not require extensive pruning, but you can remove any dead or damaged branches in late winter or early spring. You can also shape the tree or shrub to your desired form, but avoid pruning in the summer, as this can stimulate new growth that may not have time to harden off before winter.

• Pests and diseases: Cercis is generally pest- and disease-resistant, but you may encounter problems with spider mites, scale insects, or leaf spots. Keep an eye out for any signs of infestation or disease, and treat with a suitable insecticide or fungicide if necessary.

By following these tips, you can successfully grow and care for your Cercis tree or shrub, and enjoy its beautiful flowers and foliage for years to come.

How To Propagate Cercis

Cercis, commonly known as redbud, is a genus of small trees or shrubs that are native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Propagating cercis can be done through seed or vegetative propagation. Here are some steps to propagate cercis:

Seed Propagation:

• To soften the seed coat, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours.
• To soften the seed coat, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours.
• Fill a seed tray with a well-draining potting mix and sow the seeds on top, pressing them lightly into the soil.
• Cover the tray with plastic wrap or a clear lid to maintain moisture and warmth.
• Place the tray in a room that’s warm and gets some light from the side.
• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• The seeds should germinate in 2–4 weeks. Once the seedlings have grown several leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Vegetative Propagation:

• Take a stem cutting from a mature cercis tree in the summer or fall, making sure it is at least 6 inches long and has a few leaves attached.
• The bottom half of the cutting should be cleared of leaves before being dipped in rooting hormone.
• Make a hole in the center of a container and fill it with potting soil that drains nicely.
• After inserting the clipping, carefully compact the dirt around it.
• Water the cutting and place a plastic bag over the pot to preserve humidity.
• Place the pot in a warm, well-lit area that is shielded from the sun.
• Check the cutting periodically for roots, which should develop in 4–8 weeks. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.

Both methods of propagation can be successful with cercis, but it’s important to remember that growing cercis from seed can result in variations in tree characteristics, while vegetative propagation will produce an exact copy of the parent plant.

Top 5 FAQ And Answers For Cercis

Q: What is the Cercis?
A: The Cercis genus is a group of flowering trees and shrubs that are native to various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. They are known for their showy pink or purple flowers that bloom in the spring before the leaves emerge.

Q: What are some common species of the Cercis?
A: Some common species of the Cercis genus include the eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis), the Chinese redbud (Cercis chinensis), the Judas tree (Cercis siliquastrum), and the Oklahoma redbud (Cercis reniformis).

Q: How do you care for a Cercis tree?
A: Cercis trees prefer full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. They should be watered regularly during their first year of growth, but can then be left to rely on natural rainfall. Pruning should be done in the winter or early spring before the tree begins to grow new leaves.

Q: When do Cercis trees bloom?
A: Cercis trees typically bloom in the spring, usually in March or April, depending on the species and location.

Q: Are Cercis trees prone to any diseases or pests?
A: Cercis trees are generally considered to be relatively disease-resistant and pest-free, although they can be susceptible to certain problems such as verticillium wilt and aphids. Regular inspections and prompt treatment can help to prevent and control these issues.

Top 10 Interesting Facts About Cercis

1. Cercis is a genus of about 10 species of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, commonly known as the Redbud.
2. The genus is native to North America, eastern Asia, and the Mediterranean region.
3. The most widely known species is the Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), which is a small deciduous tree that is native to eastern North America.
4. The Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is another popular species which is native to the western United States.
5. The Redbuds are known for their striking flowers, which range in color from pink to purple and appear in early spring, before the leaves emerge.
6. The flowers of the Redbud are edible and have a tangy, slightly sweet flavor. They can be used in salads, as a garnish, or as a flavoring for drinks.
7. The wood of the Redbud is dense and hard, and is used for making tool handles, furniture, and decorative items.
8. The Redbud is also known for its heart-shaped leaves, which turn yellow in the fall before dropping off.
9. The Redbud has a number of medicinal properties, and has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, coughs, and sore throats.
10. The Redbud is also an important plant for wildlife, providing food and habitat for a variety of birds and mammals, including squirrels, rabbits, and deer.