FREE: WESTERN REDBUD TREE SEED (10)

The listing, WESTERN REDBUD TREE SEED (10) has ended.

Western Redbud, Cercis occidentalis is a deciduous shrub to small tree. Magenta flowers occur in spring, February -April. Western Redbud is native on dry slopes (usually next to a spring or seasonal creek), of the coast ranges and Sierra Nevada foothills to 4500', east to Utah. Likes full sun, some summer water for faster growth, regular water in desert areas. It's tolerant of clay soils, and needs a winter chill before flowers set properly. Flowers and young pods are edible. The young, small redbud plants are not cold hardy below 20 degrees F. Older plants are no problem at 10 degrees F. or less. Tolerant of lime or acid soils, pH 5.5-8 is safe. In our climate Western Redbud flowers about the same time as Ceanothus, and brings in people from the road who want to know what it is. The flowers usually emerge before the leaves. Its reddish-purple seed pods hang on the tree in winter.
The only real problems we've had with Western Redbud, Cercis occidentalis, is the need for four seasons. If you plant a Redbud next to the ocean, they may not do dormant, or they may not come out of dormancy. If your garden has never seen frost, Western Redbud may not be for you. If you live in Montana and experience winter temperatures below 0F, Western Redbud is not for you. If you have a typical 20X50 foot front yard in Lodi, Redbud may be the perfect small tree for you. Syn. Cercis orbiculata, Cercis canadensis var. orbiculata

Cercis occidentalis tolerates alkaline soil and clay.
Cercis occidentalis is great for a bird garden.
Cercis occidentalis's foliage turns a different color in the fall, color is green and type is deciduous.
Cercis occidentalis's flower color is violet.
Cercis occidentalis's fruit is edible.