10 Seeds Cercis occidentalis Western Redbud Native Flowering Tree

Cercis occidentalis, commonly known as Western Redbud, is a native North American small tree or large shrub admired for its early spring display of magenta-pink blossoms and its rounded, blue-green foliage. This adaptable species brings multi-season interest to native plant gardens, wildlife plantings, and drought-tolerant landscapes, with heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in autumn and decorative seed pods that persist into winter.

Western Redbud works beautifully as a specimen tree, in mixed borders, or as part of a native hedgerow, where its early blooms support pollinators and its structure offers year-round appeal. It tolerates lean, rocky soils and hot, dry summers once established, making it a sensible choice for water-wise gardens. Its moderate growth habit and manageable size suit smaller yards as well as larger naturalized areas.
Species: Cercis occidentalis
Type: Deciduous small tree or large shrub
Plant_Habit: Upright, rounded, multi-stemmed
Sun: Full sun to light shade
Soil: Well-drained, tolerates rocky and lean soils
Zones: 6 to 9
Germination: Scarify seed and cold stratify for best results
Sowing: Sow in fall or stratify then sow in spring
Spacing: 10 to 15 feet apart
Notes: Native to western North America; drought tolerant once established