Eastern Redbud Tree – Desert Horizon Nursery

Eastern Redbud Tree

Cercis canadensis
Categories:
Trees  ·  
Flowering Trees
Light
Morning sun / afternoon shade
Water
Moderate to high supplemental water in Phoenix. Water deeply throughout the root zone, keeping soil evenly moist but not saturated; allow the surface to dry slightly between irrigations. Increase frequency during extreme heat, especially while establishing.
Size
20-30 ft tall × 25-35 ft wide
Habit
Upright tree – multi-trunk
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
Small ornamental tree native to eastern North America, with heart-shaped leaves and abundant spring flowers. Marginal in Phoenix: extreme summer heat, aridity, and alkaline soils can cause chronic stress despite suitable winter hardiness.
Bloom Time
Early spring (Feb-April)
Deciduous / Evergreen
Deciduous
Special Features
Attracts Bees / Pollinators
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Upright tree – multi-trunk
Mature Size
20-30 ft tall × 25-35 ft wide
Flower Color
Pink to magenta
Foliage Color
Green; yellow in fall
Landscape Use
Container / Patio, Desert / Xeriscape, Shade Tree, Specimen / Accent
Garden Style
Desert / Xeriscape, Pollinator / Wildlife
Soil
Alkaline Tolerant, Amended / Rich, Prefers Acidic, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Dwarf mondo grass, Irrigated sites, Liriope, Society garlic
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix; protect from reflected heat, hot pavement, and drying winds.

Water: Moderate to high supplemental water in Phoenix. Water deeply throughout the root zone, keeping soil evenly moist but not saturated; allow the surface to dry slightly between irrigations. Increase frequency during extreme heat, especially while establishing.

Soil: Well-drained loam enriched with compost; prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil but tolerates some alkalinity. Avoid compacted soil and standing water.

Mature size: Typically 20–30 feet tall and 25–35 feet wide; often smaller under Phoenix growing conditions.

Bloom: Late winter to early spring in Phoenix, usually February–March, before leaves emerge; timing and bloom quality vary with winter conditions.

Evergreen / deciduous: Deciduous.

Growth rate: Moderate, commonly 1–2 feet annually under favorable conditions; slower with desert heat stress.