Cercis canadensis ‘Lavender Twist’ - Weeping eastern redbud
Family Fabaceae

Description:

Six species of Cercis are native to Europe, Asia and North America. Most have the unusual trait of producing flowers on the trunk and large branches. A close look at the flowers shows clearly that they are a member of the bean family. The eastern redbud is native to the eastern U.S. and northeastern Mexico. It is commonly grown as an ornamental tree for its heavy crop of pink to white flowers in early spring. Trees can grow to forty feet tall but are usually half that in the landscape. Flowers and young pods have been eaten but reportedly parts of the plant contain toxic saponins.

 

Variety ‘Lavender Twist’ is a horticultural selection with drooping branches. It droops so strongly that it must be staked when young to develop an upright trunk.

Location:

Plants can be seen on the east sides of buildings 10 and 50.

Size:

A large shrub or small tree ranging from three to ten feet tall depending on training.

Care Instructions:

Light: full sun to part shade

Water: drought tolerant

Soil: adaptable, no special requirements

Eastern redbud, and its various forms, is very easy to grow in north Florida. Its flowers signal the start of spring in Jacksonville.