Chinese Redbud
Arbor Walk #148, TreeKeeper ID #6270
The Chinese Redbud is within the same genus as the Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), but features larger, bright magenta flowers and glossy heart-shaped leaves. This species, which is native to Eastern China, exhibits beautiful spring color and uniquely shaped flowers characteristic of the pea family (Fabaceae). These flowers can grow densely along the stem, even on leafless branches, creating the appearance of an extremely lush bloom. The ‘Kay’s Early Hope’ cultivar has an extended bloom period from March to April and is named after the women’s basketball coach at North Carolina State, where the cultivar was developed.
| Common Name(s) | Chinese Redbud |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Cercis chinensis |
| Indigenous Name(s) | |
| Cultivar/Variety | ‘Kay’s Early Hope’ |
| Commercial Name |
Global Distribution
GPS Coordinates
N/A
Percent Concrete
N/A
Distance to Buildings
| Year | Close Building #1 | Close Building #2 | Close Building #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Distance to Other Species
| Year | Close Species #1 | Close Species # 2 | Close Species # 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Measurements
| Year | Height (m) | DBH (cm) | Crown Diameter N-S (m) | Crown Diameter E-W (m) | Average Crown Diameter (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nests and Pests
| Year | Description |
|---|---|
Leaf Identification
The Chinese Redbud has cordate (heart-shaped) leaves that are glabrous and leathery to the touch. These leaves are three to five inches long, and nearly as wide. The leaves have a distinctive palmate veining pattern with five major veins on each leaf.
Twig and Bud Identification
Leaves are arranged alternately along the twig, which is tan-brown and dotted with dark lengthwise lenticels. The stem zigzags at each node. Buds are brown by winter, ovoid shaped, and imbricate with clawlike scales.
Bark Identification
Chinese Redbud Bark is light gray-brown and highly textured, with thin vertical fissures running along the bark. These fissures may deepen in maturity and form plates between them.
Fruit Identification
The fruits of the Chinese Redbud are legumes, reaching five inches long and remaining flat and papery as they dry. Each pod contains multiple small seeds.
Flower Identification
The flowers tend to grow in clusters along the branches or twigs. These flowers exhibit the usual redbud morphology of two banner petals vertically, two wing petals pointing outward, and a keel petal covered by the wings. The flowers can range from magenta to pale pink, but are generally brighter and larger than those of the Eastern Redbud.
ID Tips
- The Chinese Redbud has larger leaves, flowers, and seed pods than the Eastern Redbud–however, it will not grow as large as the Eastern Redbud in the United States. The flowers also tend to be a deeper, richer shade of pink than those of the Eastern Redbud.
