American Redbud Tree
Description
About the American Redbud Tree, (cercis canadensis)
The American Redbud tree is an iconic native ornamental—and one of the first signs of spring! Also known as the Eastern Redbud, Judas Tree, or Flowering Judas, this small, pink-flowering tree puts on a breathtaking display of reddish-purple blooms before its leaves even emerge.
A North American native, the American Redbud is beloved for its three seasons of beauty:
- Spring: Vibrant flowers coat bare branches in early spring.
- Summer: Rich green, heart-shaped leaves fill out its graceful canopy.
- Fall: Dangling seed pods add texture and interest as foliage turns golden.
Typically growing to 20–30 feet tall, it naturally forms a vase-shaped silhouette with multi-trunked character—perfect as a landscape focal point or mass-planted for a striking border. And yes—the flowers are edible!
How to Grow the American Redbud
This versatile flowering tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and is heat tolerant once established.
- Growth rate: Moderate
- Mature height: 20–30 feet
- Lifespan: Around 20 years
- USDA Zones: 4–9
- Soil: Adaptable, but prefers well-drained soil
See below for more characteristics and USDA zone compatibility.
Whether you’re creating a wildlife-friendly garden, looking for a small tree for landscaping, or adding native beauty to your yard, the American Redbud is an excellent choice.
Buy American Redbud Trees Online
Bring home the bold beauty of spring with the American Redbud tree. Plant yours today and enjoy brilliant spring blooms, elegant form, and native charm—year after year.
Survival Guaranteed!
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | Pink |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 4 - 9 |
| Shade/Sun | Partial Shade - Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained - Average Moistness |
| Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 8.0 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Recommended Spacing
Zone Compatibility
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow flowering trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Shipping Information
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
My eastern redbuds are fast growers - 18-24 inches per year. With each season they seem to grow even faster.
Mine was shipped with a single trunk, about 3 feet tall, with a couple of short
branches at the top - the bottom was bare roots, but was moist, well wrapped in shredded paper, and well packaged, shipped in a large, tall box. The tree has grown very well. I would buy another one if I had room. Just follow their planting instructions carefully.
No. Unfortunately deer love these trees.
This Redbud tree has not grown enough to cause any problems, but I had a white one for YEARS and it never had off-shoots. My neighbors have the pink Redbud that is years old and I've never seen an off-shoot. Crepe Mertle trees will send off shoots (not particularly troublesome though) so I'm wondering if your friend has the trees mixed up. Trumpet vine is AWFUL! You won't have trouble with Redbud.
My redbuds went through a pretty harsh winter this year here is Salt a lake City. My redbuds all still came out this spring with beautiful blossoms, and no winterkill. I love these. They are very cold hardy.
ince 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time merchandise credit to your account equaling 100% of the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Your credit will be good for eighteen months from the date it is issued.
I planted my new redbud and really thought it was dead. I also did not soak mine in water. I planted it about a month ago and it just started getting tiny leaves on it this past week. The first I noticed anything on it was when it was 3-4 weeks after I got it. Look for little tiny nodes on the tree and then they finally turn into leaves. Just keep it watered and it will take off. Good luck!
Cindy Ehlen
Mine do fine. We dig a large hole and improve it with organic soil to help get roots established.
Hi,
The American redbud has beautiful purplish pink (some call it magenta) buds on its branches. It's shape is more umbrella like, so make sure to give your tree, if you order one, plenty of room. Mine is just now in leaf. I've admired this beautiful tree for years because one of our neighbors has one, so I ordered mine last year.
I hope you are doing well.
Christine
Not super fast but an adequate spread (diameter) of about 16"/year for the first 4 years I have had them. I do prune them lightly. Colored blossoms are short-lived but among the prettiest out there'
The leaves are uncommon and to me more beautiful than a dogwood. My neighbors have since pruchased some and they are growing hearty here in SW Pa. Good luck!
Customer Reviews
This one seems to be doing well, though it's still early. It's in a very exposed, windy spot at the intersection corner of our yard, and it has held up just fine in some serious western NY wind storms. Looks like a little over a foot of new growth in it's first three and a half months.
Very happy with it so far!
Photos are the day it was planted in April 2024 (where the bamboo support dwarfs it), and then in May and now in the second week of August 2024.
I noticed that it needs a LOT of water or it's little new growth wilts. My two bought potted new plums do not do this. I'm afraid I'll over water every thing trying to help them.
Maybe a bare root tree needs more time to grow roots. I'm always a beginner.
Looking for a center peace for my front yard, really love the flowering aspect and color.
I have always admired the tree!
I love their look in all seasons and the filtered shade they provide.
Beautiful tree!