Quick answer: Eastern redbud is a small native flowering tree for USDA zones 4–9 that grows 20–30 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide in full sun to part shade. Buy it for the rose-pink to magenta blooms that line bare branches in April and May, heart-shaped leaves, and early nectar for bees.
Why grow Eastern Redbud
- Native to the United States
- Early spring flowers feed bees and butterflies, and the leaves host caterpillars such as Henry's elfin
- Clear yellow to yellow-green fall color
Eastern Redbud at a glance
| Botanical name | Cercis canadensis |
|---|---|
| Plant type | Deciduous tree |
| USDA hardiness zones | 4–9 |
| Mature height | 20–30 ft |
| Mature spread | 25–35 ft |
| Sunlight | Full sun to part shade |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Growth rate | Medium |
| Pollination | No second plant needed |
| Fall color | Clear yellow to yellow-green |
| Ships as | Dormant bare-root plant, 2–3 ft |
| Can't ship to | AK, HI |
Pollination
Flowers have both male and female parts and are bee-pollinated, so one tree is enough.
Planting and care
- Sun: Grows in full sun to partial shade and does best in part shade or at woodland edges.
- Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil and tolerates clay and alkaline soil; mulch the shallow roots.
- Pruning: Prune right after flowering or in late winter to remove dead wood and narrow, weak crotches.
- Pests and diseases: Canker diseases, verticillium wilt and borers are the main problems; keep trees watered and avoid trunk wounds.
Step-by-step bare-root planting instructions
What arrives and when
Your Eastern Redbud ships dormant (no leaves) and bare root (no pot or soil) at 2–3 ft. It may look like a bare stick with roots; that is normal for a dormant plant. Spring shipping runs March 15 to July 30 for all zones, timed to your zone. Fall shipping, November 15 to late February, is for Zones 6–10 only. See the dates for your zone.
We can't ship this plant to: AK, HI.
Covered by our 1-year warranty (store credit; terms apply).
Frequently asked questions
When does a redbud tree bloom?
Redbud blooms in April and May, before the leaves open, with rose-pink to magenta flowers along the branches and trunk.
Does redbud grow in shade?
Yes. It does best in part shade or woodland edges, and in full sun it needs extra water during dry spells.
How big does an eastern redbud get?
Typically 20–30 ft tall and 25–35 ft wide, often with several trunks.
Can I plant redbud near a black walnut?
Yes. Redbud tolerates the juglone released by black walnut.
How long do redbud trees live?
Redbud is relatively short-lived, typically under 75 years, and is prone to canker and borers.
What does the redbud look like when it arrives?
It ships as a dormant bare-root tree, 2–3 ft tall, with no leaves or flowers. Plant it promptly and mulch the shallow roots.
Plant facts checked October 2026 against: Morton Arboretum, NC State Extension.