SafePlants

Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis)

The Western Redbud, also known as the California Redbud, is a valued tree or shrub native to the western United States, particularly California.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The text mentions that the Western Redbud can be found along streams and is a good soil stabilizer. This suggests that the plant may be present in riparian areas where pets and children might frequent.
• Many California Indian tribes used the plant as a source of material for basketry, indicating a history of interaction with humans.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cercis occidentalis
• Common Names: Western Redbud, California Redbud
• Synonym: Cercis orbiculata (Greene) Tidestrom, Cercis orbiculata &#8212 Greene, Cercis orbiculata Greene Fabaceae synonym = Cercis occidentalis Torr. ex Gray var. orbiculata (Greene) Tidestrom
• Family: Legume family (Fabaceae)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to California, Arizona, and Utah.
• Predominantly found in California foothills below 4000-4500 feet elevation.
• Common in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona.
• Grows in chaparral and woodland communities.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Grows as a large shrub or a small, multi-trunked tree.
• Deciduous.
• Can reach a mature size of 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide.
• Blooms in mid-spring with bright pink or lavender to magenta blossoms.
• Leaves are smaller than those of Cercis canadensis and are not pointed at the tip.

Ecological Role

• Good soil stabilizer along streams.

Other Interesting Information

• The wood of the California redbud was used by many Native Americans.
• The California Redbud is a xeric form of redbud.
• Registered as a California Big Tree in Santa Rosa.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden
• Cornflower Farms
• Monrovia
• Theodore Payne California Native Plant Database
• Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
• Tree Foundation (Sacramento, California)