When does Cercis canadensis bloom?

Eastern redbud blooms in April and May, with pink flowers appearing directly on branches before the leaves emerge.

What pollinators visit Cercis canadensis?

Bees and butterflies are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers of eastern redbud during its spring bloom period.

Where is Cercis canadensis native?

Eastern redbud is native across much of eastern and central North America, from Connecticut south to Florida and west to Texas, Nebraska, and New Mexico.

What growing conditions does Cercis canadensis prefer?

Eastern redbud tolerates full sun to partial shade and adapts to medium to low water conditions once established.

Is Judastree toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Judastree as toxic to livestock.

Is Judastree HOA-friendly?

Judastree takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Judastree

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cercis canadensis

Last reviewed: July 2026

Cercis canadensis produces clusters of pink flowers in April and May before its heart-shaped leaves emerge. This native tree grows throughout eastern and central North America, attracting bees and butterflies.

Judastree (Cercis canadensis) — Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Robert Ross

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Judastree as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–360" H × 240"–360" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 383 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Eastern Redbud is a small ornamental tree known for its stunning spring display of pink-purple flowers that bloom directly on the branches before leaves emerge. This attractive native tree develops a broad, rounded crown and heart-shaped leaves that turn yellow in fall.

Growing Judastree

Grow Judastree in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 360 inches tall and spread 240 to 360 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Judastree takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

May suffer significant dieback or death in harsh winter conditions
Requires careful winter protection in colder regions

Wildlife value

Host plant for Henry's elfin, reakirt's blue.

The early spring blooms provide crucial nectar for bees and butterflies when few other flowers are available. Seeds are eaten by birds, and the foliage supports various native caterpillars.

Common questions

When does Cercis canadensis bloom?: Eastern redbud blooms in April and May, with pink flowers appearing directly on branches before the leaves emerge.
What pollinators visit Cercis canadensis?: Bees and butterflies are attracted to the nectar-rich flowers of eastern redbud during its spring bloom period.
Where is Cercis canadensis native?: Eastern redbud is native across much of eastern and central North America, from Connecticut south to Florida and west to Texas, Nebraska, and New Mexico.
What growing conditions does Cercis canadensis prefer?: Eastern redbud tolerates full sun to partial shade and adapts to medium to low water conditions once established.
Is Judastree toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Judastree as toxic to livestock.
Is Judastree HOA-friendly?: Judastree takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Judastree? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz