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Mexican redbud

Scientific Name: Cercis canadensis var. mexicana

Family: Fabaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Mexican Redbud: A Southwestern Beauty

The Mexican Redbud (Cercis mexicana or Cercis canadensis var. mexicana) is a stunning native tree admired for its vibrant blooms and drought tolerance. It's a popular choice for gardens in hot, dry climates and offers a unique alternative to its eastern cousin.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant has leaves that are heart-shaped, which could be attractive to some animals.

Considerations for Children

  • Leaves can be heart-shaped, attracting children to play with them.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Cercis mexicana or Cercis canadensis var. mexicana
  • Common Names: Mexican Redbud, Mexican Red Bud
  • Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae)
  • Synonyms: Cercis canadensis L. var. mexicana (Rose) M. Hopkins

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the shaded canyons and slopes of extreme southwest Texas and into Mexico.
  • Specifically found growing in limestone soils.
  • Well-suited to central, south, and west Texas.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • A moderate to rapid grower when young.
  • Typically reaches a height of 18 to 25 feet.
  • Often grows as a multi-trunked shrub.
  • Deciduous tree with glossy green, heart-shaped leaves that have wavy margins.
  • Smaller in stature and has smaller, glossier, and more wavy-edged leaves compared to the Texas Redbud.
  • Dark pink flowers appear before the leaves emerge in the spring.

Ecological Role

  • Drought-tolerant, making it suitable for hot and dry landscapes.
  • Listed by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center as a plant suitable for certain regions in Texas.

Propagation

  • Can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or micropropagation.
  • Seeds have embryo and seed coat dormancy that needs to be addressed through scarification and stratification (moist-prechilling).
  • Micropropagation systems have been developed for this species.

Resources

  • USDA PLANTS database contains distribution information.
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center provides information on suitable plants for different regions.
  • Dave's Garden is a resource for gardening tips and ideas.
  • L.E. Cooke Co (lecooke.com) is a nursery that carries this plant.