Cercis canadensis 'Appalachian Red'

'Appalachian Red' Redbud

A vigorous, native redbud selection prized for its exceptionally rich, deep rose-red flowers, among the darkest of all redbuds. Blooms appear abundantly along bare branches in early spring before leaf emergence. Glossy, heart-shaped green leaves follow, forming a dense summer canopy and turning yellow in fall. ‘Appalachian Red’ combines strong color with excellent adaptability and landscape performance.

Size: 25–30 ft wide × 25–30 ft tall

Zones: 4a–9b
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Well-drained soils; adaptable to loam and clay
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Suitable Conditions:



Climate: Performs well across a wide range of temperate climates



Exposure: Morning sun with afternoon shade preferred in hotter regions



Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral



Drainage: Important; avoid poorly drained or waterlogged soils



Spacing: Allow room for full canopy development and natural branching



Notes:



Shape: Upright to spreading with a rounded crown; often multi-stemmed



Noted for deeper flower color than typical redbuds



Excellent native tree for pollinators and early-season interest



Ideal for lawns, woodland edges, and naturalized landscapes



Minimal pruning required beyond structural training

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

25-30'

Width

20-30'

Hardiness zones

4–9

Sunlight

Full sun to part shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

Hot Pink, Pink

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Yellow

Attracts

Bees butterflies birds

Soil

Clay, Loamy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Spreading, Upright

Bark

Fissured

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No