Cercis canadensis 'RUBY FALLS' eastern redbud, love tree

Cercis

The genus Cercis, commonly known as redbud, includes around ten species of deciduous trees and shrubs native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere – from North America through Southern Europe to Eastern Asia. All species share several distinctive traits: heart-shaped leaves reminiscent of the iconic symbol of love, and early spring flowering, when small blossoms appear directly on bare wood – on branches and trunks, before the leaves emerge. The flowers have the typical shape of legumes, as redbuds belong to the Fabaceae family. In gardens, the most cultivated species are Cercis canadensis (Eastern redbud), Cercis siliquastrum (Judas tree), and Cercis chinensis (Chinese redbud), each offering a wide range of cultivars with varying growth habits and foliage colours.

Eastern redbud originates from the eastern regions of North America – from southeastern Canada through the Great Lakes area down to Texas and Florida. The first botanical records of this species date back to the 16th century, when it was described by Spanish and French naturalists. In the 18th century, it reached European botanical gardens, quickly gaining popularity thanks to its early flowering and elegant form. Thomas Jefferson planted it in his gardens at Monticello, and George Washington recommended it for shrubbery plantings. In Native American culture, redbud had practical uses – its flowers were edible, and medicinal infusions were made from its bark. Today, it symbolizes spring and hope and has even become the official state tree of Oklahoma.