Eastern redbud

Cercis canadensis L.

Family: FabaceaeZones: 4a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: no source makes a pet toxicity statement. NC State has no poison severity line for this plant.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 4a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: NC State: 20 to 30 ft tall (6 to 9 m) and 25 to 35 ft wide (7.6 to 10.7 m) in the quick facts; the text says 20 to 35 ft wide. Clemson: 20 to 30 ft tall and 15 to 35 ft wide. Varieties are often smaller, for example NC State gives 'Ace of Hearts' as 10 to 12 ft tall.
Where it comes from: NC State: eastern and central North America; New Mexico north to Nebraska, east to Michigan and Ontario, south through Pennsylvania and Massachusetts to Florida. Clemson: native to the eastern United States and Canada.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon