General Culture:

Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. In hot summer climates, it appreciates some afternoon part shade, but tolerates full sun as long as soils are not allowed to dry out. Since this tree does not transplant well, it should be planted when young and left undisturbed. May not be reliably winter hardy throughout the St. Louis area where it should be planted in a protected location.

Noteworthy Characteristics:

Cercis reniformis is a small redbud that is native to Oklahoma and Texas. It has a more compact form and thicker leaves than many of the other redbuds in this genus. This is a deciduous understory tree that typically grows to 15-20’ tall. Clusters of tiny, pea-like, pink to purple-red flowers bloom profusely for 2-3 weeks in early spring (March-April) before the foliage emerges. Leathery, broad-ovate to kidney-shaped, glossy-glaucous green leaves (to 3”) may have rounded or notched tips. Pendulous, flat, bean-like, 2-4” long seed pods resembling snow peas appear after flowering. Fall color is variable, but may include attractive shades of reddish-purple and orange. C. reniformis ‘Oklahoma’ (see B970 herein) is more commonly sold in commerce than the species because its flowers are darker (rosy magenta to wine red) and its leaves are a richer green with more gloss and wax. Nomenclature for C. reniformis is confusing. Many authorities consider Cercis reniformis to be synonymous with C. texensis, C. canadensis var. texensis, C. mexicana, C. canadensis var. mexicana and C. canadensis var. reniformis. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) currently lists ‘Oklahoma’ (see B970 herein) and ‘Texas White’ as accepted cultivar names under C. reniformis. Common names given to C. reniformis trees include Oklahoma redbud and Texas redbud.