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Rose-magenta
Small tree

Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis

Bare branches erupt in rose-magenta in early spring — and the flowers feed the season's first bees.

the Northeastthe Mid-Atlanticthe Southeastthe Midwestthe Great Plainsthe South-Central region

Growing Eastern Redbud

A small understory tree that flowers straight off the trunk and limbs before leafing out. Heart-shaped leaves turn gold in fall; tolerates clay and part shade. It’s showy, good fall color, and easy to grow.

Where it grows

Eastern Redbud is native to the Northeast. In the wild you’ll find it across Alabama · Arkansas · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa and 32 more states. Always confirm it suits your specific county with your state native plant society before planting.

Regional Garden shows Eastern Redbud on 42 state pages.

Good for

Sourcing

Where to buy Eastern Redbud

Seeds & live plants on Amazon

Seed packets, plugs, and starter plants for many of these species ship to your door.

Browse on Amazon

Some links here are affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. The surest source of locally-adapted stock is a native-plant nursery or a native plant society sale in your area.

Plant it with

Companions & kin.

Natives that share Eastern Redbud’s range and conditions.

Shrub

New Jersey Tea

Ceanothus americanus

A compact, drought-proof shrub frothing with white flowers that pollinators and hummingbirds adore.

  • Full–part sun
  • Dry
  • 2–3.5 ft
  • Blooms May–Jul
Small tree

Serviceberry

Amelanchier canadensis

A small four-season tree: white spring flowers, June berries for the birds, and fiery fall color.

  • Full–part sun
  • Average–wet
  • 15–25 ft
  • Blooms Apr–May
Perennial wildflower

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias tuberosa

A monarch host plant and the brightest orange in the native palette, thriving in lean, dry soil.

  • Full sun
  • Dry
  • 1.5–2.5 ft
  • Blooms Jun–Aug
Perennial wildflower

Common Yarrow

Achillea millefolium

A near-continental native with flat flower heads that feed tiny beneficial insects, tough as a weed.

  • Full sun
  • Dry–average
  • 1.5–3 ft
  • Blooms May–Aug