Eastern Redbud

Scientific Name: Cercis canadensis

Order: Fabales

Family: Fabaceae

Type: Tree

Endangered Status: Least concern

Number of Recorded Individuals at the Zoo: 24

The eastern redbud is a multi-stemmed understory tree that grows best in average, well-drained soil in either full sun or partial shade. This tree is popular in the landscape and can stand alone as a specimen plant or in mass plantings, such as along the edge of wooded areas. Pink flowers cover the bare branches in the spring before the tree gains its iconic heart-shaped leaves. This species is a browse favorite for the animals at Lincoln Park Zoo. Bees utilize the redbud flower’s pollen and nectar. Birds feast on the tree’s legume-shaped seed pods, which turn from green to brown in the fall and persist through the winter.

Native Range
Eastern North America

USDA Hardiness Zone
4–9

Average Mature Height
20 feet

Flower Color
Pink

Flowering Months
April–May

Supports
Bees