Redbud

Botanical Name: Cercis canadensis

Height: about 4 m

Season of bloom: early May. Blooms on bare branches before leaves have unfolded

Growing Conditions: Sun to part shade; ordinary soil.

Wildlife benefits: The early flowers are visited by early-arriving male hummingbirds. The leaves seem to be much favoured by leaf-cutting bees.

From Ottawa Valley or eastern Ontario sources: In a sense, as our Redbuds are all progeny of Ann William’s famously enduring garden Redbud, in west Ottawa. Redbuds are native to Ontario based only on a single historical record. The hardiest strains are probably derived from a wild population from near Buffalo, New York.

Remarks: That Redbuds are not reliably hardy in our area only seems to make this lovely tree more desirable.

Similar species:

For information on availability or to return to the list of plants: Plants.