Western Redbud, California Redbud
Cercis occidentalis
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Bloom Color: Lavender, Pink. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Mid spring. Form: Vase.
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.
Height (m): 4.5
Where it is found
Dry slopes and in canyons in foothills below 1100 metres.
South-western N. America - California to Arizona.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, North America*, USA,
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Flowers - raw. Added to salads, they have a pleasant acid taste. The flower buds are pickled like capers. Seedpods - roasted. The pods are up to 9cm long. Seed - cooked.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Seedpod: things such as Okra, French and Runner beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
Nitrogen Fixer
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Specimen. Succeeds in most soils and pH types, but dislikes growing in wet soils, especially when these are of clay. Prefers a deep damp sandy loam and a very sunny position. Succeeds in light shade. Dislikes drought. Repays generous treatment. This species does not flower very freely in Britain. Plants do not thrive at Kew, they prefer a hotter climate. Plants require cool greenhouse treatment in Britain. The flowers are produced on the branches of the previous or earlier years, and also on the trunk of the plant. Plants are susceptible to coral spot fungus, especially when growing in areas with cooler summers where the wood is not fully ripened. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus. 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. 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. Special Features:North American native, Blooms are very showy.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water then cold stratify for 3 months. Sow spring in the greenhouse. 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist