Quick answer: Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is native to 32 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Greg Hume, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, Moist |
| Soil | Moist, fertile, well-drained soils |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-May |
| Height | Up to 15-30 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Special value to native bees and bumble bees, provides nesting materials for native bees, moderate deer resistance |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Eastern redbud
Where is Eastern redbud native?
Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is native to 32 states across the Northeast, Midwest, South and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Eastern redbud bloom?
Eastern redbud blooms Mar-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Eastern redbud need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade. Water: Low water, Moist. Soil: Moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Mature height: Up to 15-30 ft tall.
Is Eastern redbud good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Special value to native bees and bumble bees, provides nesting materials for native bees, moderate deer resistance.
Is Eastern redbud deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Eastern redbud is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Eastern redbud seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Cercis canadensis on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Eastern redbud.
- Climbing prairie rose Rosa setigera
- Coralberry Symphoricarpos orbiculatus
- Fragrant sumac Rhus aromatica
- Lanceleaf coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata
- Common elderberry Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis
- Smooth Solomon's seal Polygonatum biflorum
Also listed under
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