About
Cercis canadensis is a deciduous tree that typically grows to about 10 meters in height. It features a broad, spreading form and may have multiple stems. The leaves are heart-shaped, initially exhibiting a bronze hue before transitioning to yellow in the fall. In early spring, before the foliage emerges, clusters of pink flowers, measuring around 1 centimeter, appear in groups of 2 to 8 on the bare branches.
About the genus
Cercis consists of deciduous shrubs or small trees characterized by their heart-shaped foliage. The plants produce clusters of vibrant pink pea-like blossoms that emerge either before or alongside the leaves. After flowering, they develop flattened pods that are deep purple in color.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 8-12 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 20-50 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural
- Native to
- North America
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in deep, fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun or dappled shade
- Pruning
- See pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to leafhoppers and scale insects
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to verticillium wilt, coral spot and honey fungus