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Cercis occidentalis - Torr.&A.Gray.

Common Name Western Redbud, California Redbud
Family Fabaceae or Leguminosae
USDA hardiness 5-9
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Dry slopes and in canyons in foothills below 1100 metres[71].
Range South-western N. America - California to Arizona.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Cercis occidentalis Western Redbud, California Redbud


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Stan_Shebs
Cercis occidentalis Western Redbud, California Redbud
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Stan_Shebs

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: Lavender, Pink. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Mid spring. Form: Vase.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Cercis occidentalis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.
It can fix Nitrogen.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers  Seed  Seedpod
Edible Uses:

Flowers - raw. Added to salads[183], they have a pleasant acid taste[K]. The flower buds are pickled like capers[183]. Seedpods - roasted[161, 177, 183]. The pods are up to 9cm long[229]. Seed - cooked[183].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Nitrogen Fixer

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife  Food Forest  Nitrogen Fixer

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Specimen. Succeeds in most soils and pH types, but dislikes growing in wet soils, especially when these are of clay[200]. Prefers a deep damp sandy loam and a very sunny position[11, 182]. Succeeds in light shade[200]. Dislikes drought[200]. Repays generous treatment[11]. This species does not flower very freely in Britain. Plants do not thrive at Kew, they prefer a hotter climate[11]. Plants require cool greenhouse treatment in Britain[1]. The flowers are produced on the branches of the previous or earlier years, and also on the trunk of the plant[82]. Plants are susceptible to coral spot fungus, especially when growing in areas with cooler summers where the wood is not fully ripened[11]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Resents root disturbance, plants should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible, preferably in May, and should be kept well watered until established[11]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[200]. Special Features:North American native, Blooms are very showy.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[200]. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water then cold stratify for 3 months[113]. Sow spring in the greenhouse[78]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Plants resent root disturbance and are best planted out in their permanent positions as soon as possible[11]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

Search over 900 plants ideal for food forests and permaculture gardens. Filter to search native plants to your area. The plants selected are the plants in our book 'Plants For Your Food Forest: 500 Plants for Temperate Food Forests and Permaculture Gardens, as well as plants chosen for our forthcoming related books for Tropical/Hot Wet Climates and Mediterranean/Hot Dry Climates. Native Plant Search

Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Australia, North America*, USA,

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Cercis canadensisRedbud, Eastern redbud, Mexican redbud,Texas redbudTree12.0 4-9 MLMSNM322
Cercis chinensisChinese RedbudTree15.0 6-8 SLMNM12 
Cercis siliquastrumJudas Tree, RedbudTree12.0 6-10 MLMHSNDM404

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Torr.&A.Gray.

Botanical References

1171200

Links / References

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Subject : Cercis occidentalis  
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