Western redbud Cercis occidentalis
Western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Foothills of California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada. It grows 3–6 m (10–20 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 3.5 m (11 ft) apart.
Plan Western redbud in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Western redbud at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 3–6 m (10–20 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 3.5 m (11 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: flowers (raw, in salads) |
| Native to | Foothills of California, Arizona, Utah and Nevada |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Western redbud toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Western redbud
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Western redbud
- How far apart should I plant Western redbud?
- About 3.5 m (11 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Western redbud need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Western redbud need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Western redbud?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Western redbud flower?
- From about March for 3–5 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Western redbud poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Western redbud?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Calscape: California native plants, California Native Plant Society
- Calflora: information on California plants, Calflora (non-profit database), Berkeley, California
Notes and assumptions
- A California native of the chaparral and foothills: it grows through the mild, wet winter and rests in the dry summer, when it should be left unwatered once established.
- A multi-stemmed small tree whose bare branches turn magenta with clusters of pea flowers in early spring, followed by round, blue-green leaves and purple-red pods. Needs winter cold to flower well. Native basket makers used its red-barked shoots.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis