Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

Hardy, deciduous, spring flowering tree
Description: Graceful tree with heart-shaped leaves and purplish-pink, pea-like flowers in early spring; leaves yellow-green in the fall
Habit: Grows to 30 feet high and 35 feet wide
Culture: Prefers full sun or partial shade and good drainage
Hardiness: Cold hardy to USDA Zone 4
Origin: North America
Attributes: Fall color
Jefferson documented

In 1781 Thomas Jefferson listed redbud in his only published book, Notes on the State of Virginia, as a native "Esculent" tree. He intended it to be a part of his shrubbery scheme for the western slope of Monticello and in the clumps of trees planted in the angles of the house in 1807. He likewise directed that redbuds be planted among clumps of native trees and shrubs at Poplar Forest in 1812. It is often called 'Judas-tree,' which actually refers to a Mediterranean species, Cercis siliquastrum. zone4,zone5,zone6,zone7,zone8,zone9