Western Redbud

Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis)

Natural History

Western Redbud is a member of the Legume Family. It is a small tree or shrub that

grows to approximately 15 feet in height. It has thin, shiny brown branches which bear shiny heart-shaped leaves which are light green early in the season and darken as they age. Redbud grows in canyons and on slopes at elevations between 0 - 4000 feet.

Native Americans used the twigs of the Western Redbud to weave baskets.

Western Redbud blooms between Feb- April and produces bright pink or magenta flowers that grow in clusters all over the shrub. Flowers are followed by a 3 inch long brown legume pods which are very thin and dry.

Back to Flora & Fauna