Log in Start trial

Western Redbud

Cercis Occidentalis

Design with this plant

Overview

The Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is a vibrant deciduous shrub/small tree, reaching 10-18 ft. tall, notable for its showy magenta blooms in spring. Heart-shaped leaves emerge after flowers, transitioning to green and then yellow in fall. This low-maintenance native prefers full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various soils. Drought-tolerant once established, it provides year-round interest, perfect for accenting California landscapes and attracting pollinators.

Sun Full, HalfWater Very LowZones 5–10Type Shrub, TreeClimate Mediterranean

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — Heart-shaped leaves emerge after flowers, transitioning to green and then yellow in fall

Culture

Sun: Full, Half
Water: Very Low
USDA zones: 5–10

Shape & size

Classification

Type: Shrub, Tree
Family: Leguminosae
Climate: Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (91)

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — This low-maintenance native prefers full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various soils; shrub / tree with pink

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — tall, notable for its showy magenta blooms in spring

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — the Western Redbud can accentuate entryways

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — Cercis occidentalis prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate various conditions

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — the tree presents heart-shaped leaves

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — enriching the seasonal palette of your garden.<br><br>For optimal growth; drought-tolerant once established, image 68

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — which transition from a refreshing green to bright yellow during the fall

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — The Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is a vibrant deciduous shrub/small tree, reaching 10-18 ft; this, image 53

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — making it an ideal candidate for residential garden spaces.<br><br>Characteristic to the species; which transition from

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — Drought-tolerant once established; it provides year-round interest, image 57

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — enriching the seasonal palette of your garden.<br><br>For optimal growth

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — it provides year-round interest

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — which transition from a refreshing green to bright yellow during the fall; pink flowers in the garden

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — the Western Redbud boasts a brilliant display of magenta-pink flowers in early spring

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — the Western Redbud boasts a brilliant display of magenta-pink flowers in early spring; or serve as a focal point when

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — This low-maintenance native prefers full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various soils; shrub / tree, image 56

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — shrub / tree for full or half

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — perfect for accenting California landscapes and attracting pollinators

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — is a vibrant and versatile ornamental tree

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — Heart-shaped leaves emerge after flowers, transitioning to green and then yellow in fall; from full sun to partial shade

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — perfect for accenting California landscapes and attracting pollinators; the Western Redbud demonstrates notable drought

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — This low-maintenance native prefers full sun to partial shade and adapts well to various soils

Western Redbud (Cercis Occidentalis) — perfect for accentuating gardens with its striking springtime bloom; is a vibrant and versatile ornamental, image 61

Cercis Occidentalis

Photographs by 10 contributors

Grand Canyon National Park, CC BY 2.0 · source
cultivar413 from Fallbrook, California, CC BY 2.0 · source
John Rusk from Berkeley, CC BY 2.0 · source
David J. Stang, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Chris English, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Jcomeau ictx, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Burkhard Mücke, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Nadiatalent, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Lazaregagnidze, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
JKehoe_Photos, CC BY 2.0 · source

Related plants

Avondale Redbud (Cercis Chinensis 'Avondale') — Famed for its dense clusters of deep magenta blossoms that enliven springtime

Shrub

Avondale Redbud

Cercis Chinensis 'Avondale'

Chinese Redbud (Cercis Chinensis) — Before the heart-shaped leaves unfurl

Shrub

Chinese Redbud

Cercis Chinensis

Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis) — shrub / tree with pink and red blooms; native to eastern North America, image 94

Shrub

Eastern Redbud

Cercis Canadensis

FullUSDA 4–10

Eastern Redbud Oklahoma (Cercis Canadensis 'Oklahoma') — heart-shaped leaves measuring 3 to 5 inches in length and its dense

Tree

Eastern Redbud Oklahoma

Cercis Canadensis 'Oklahoma'

FullUSDA 4–10

Forest Pansy Redbud (Cercis Canadensis 'Forest Pansy') — This cultivar of the Eastern Redbud boasts a moderate growth rate

Tree

Forest Pansy Redbud

Cercis Canadensis 'Forest Pansy'

Hearts Of Gold Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis 'Hearts Of Gold') — notable for its striking golden-yellow foliage

Shrub

Hearts Of Gold Eastern Redbud

Cercis Canadensis 'Hearts Of Gold'