Cercis canadensis

Widely branched tree to 12 m; lvs broadly cordate, 5-12 cm, usually wider than long, obtuse to shortly acuminate, glabrous or sparsely hairy beneath; fls magenta-pink, 1 cm, in small clusters on slender pedicels 6-12 mm; pods pointed at both ends, 6-10 נ1-1.5 cm; 2n=14. Moist woods; Conn. and s. N.Y. to s. Mich., Io., and e. Neb., s. to Fla. and n. Mex. Our plants are var. canadensis.

Gleason, Henry A. & Cronquist, Arthur J. 1991. Manual of vascular plants of northeastern United States and adjacent Canada. lxxv + 910 pp.

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Flora of Indiana (1940) by Charles C. Deam

This is generally a small tree, 3-8 inches in diameter, larger ones are rare. The largest redbud I ever saw was located on the Dicksburg Hills in Knox County. It was more than 2 feet in diameter at breast height. When I reported this tree to Prof. H. C. Cowles of Chicago University, he doubted the identity of the species or the measurements and made a trip to the tree and verified my measurement. It is found in woodland throughout the state, being most abundant in the southern half and infrequent to rare in the northern counties. Its preferred habitat is wooded ravines and banks of streams. At maturity the leaves are glabrous on both surfaces with a few hairs in the axils of the veins beneath or are more or less pubescent on the lower surface. The glabrous form has been named forma glabrifolia Fern. (Rhodora 38: 234. 1936).

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Indiana Coefficient of Conservatism: C = 3

Wetland Indicator Status: FACU

Deam (1932): In one locality it was known as the fish blossom because the larger fish spawn when this tree is in flower. The redbud is usually a tree 1-1.5 dm. in diameter and 5-10 m. high. It is of no economic importance and is classed as a weed tree in the woodlot and should be removed. It is frequently recommended for ornamental planting. It prefers a rich moist soil, and is shade enduring, although it succeeds best in the open or in a partial shade.