Cercis occidentalis, Western Redbud

The Western Redbud is a small deciduous tree or shrub found in the Sierra foothills and mountains of California that supports hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other native pollinators. The thin, shiny brown branches bear heart-shaped leaves which are light green early in the season and darken as they age. Leaves on plants at higher elevation may turn gold or red as the weather cools. The showy, bright pink flowers develop in the spring, emerging ahead of the leaves, and grow in clusters all over the shrub, making the plant very colorful and noticeable in the landscape. The flowers are popular with a variety of native bees, including leafcutter bees. The shrub then produces 3-inch-long purple seed pods which are very thin and dry and often hang on the tree through the winter.

It usually tops out at 10–20 ft tall by 10–15 ft wide. Give it sun or part shade, and no summer irrigation once established (once a month max.) Our Western Redbud supports a wide range of bees, butterflies and birds through all seasons—it’s a must for a habitat garden.

This plant is easy to grow just about anywhere in northern California that doesn’t get below 15 degrees. To thrive, this plant needs a four-season climate with a cool winter. It flowers best and has yellow fall color where it gets winter chill. Responds well to overall pruning and shaping; If you decide to prune, wintertime is best as the tree is winter deciduous.