''Cercis occidentalis'', the western redbud or California redbud (syn. ''Cercis orbiculata'' — Greene), is a small tree or shrub in the Fabaceae, legume family, Fabaceae. It is found across the Southwestern United States, American Southwest, from California to Utah and Arizona.
It is easily recognized when it is in bloom from March to May, when it is covered with small pink to purple flowers.
Description
''Cercis occidentalis'' has thin, shiny brown branches that bear shiny heart-shaped leaves which are light green early in the season and darken as they age. Leaves on plants at higher elevation may turn gold or red as the weather cools.
The showy flowers are bright pink or magenta, and they grow in clusters all over the shrub, making the plant very colorful and noticeable in the landscape. The shrub bears 3-inch-long brown legume pods which are very thin and dry. Its native habitats include dry slopes and foothills of canyons below .
Uses
Indigenous peoples of California, Indigenous Californians use the twigs of the western redbud to Basket weaving, weave baskets, and even pruning, prune the shrub to encourage growth of new twigs. The bark provides a faint reddish dye for the finished basketry. The Maidu#Local divisions, Concow tribe calls the tree or (Konkow language).
Cultivation
''Cercis occidentalis'' is cultivated as an ornamental plant and tree, for planting in parks and gardens, and as a street tree. It is also used in xeriscape, drought tolerant, native plant, and wildlife gardens.
Las Pilitas Nursery database — ''Cercis occidentalis'' (Western Redbud)
. accessed 3.23.2013
Images
File:Western red bud near Briceburg 2019-04-14.jpg, Western redbud near Briceburg, California April 2019
File:Merced canyon spring 2019.jpg, Redbud, poppies and much more − Merced River canyon March 2019
References
* Casebeer, M. (2004). ''Discover California Shrubs''. Sonora, California: Hooker Press.
External links
Jepson Manual Treatment — ''Cercis occidentalis'' (western redbud)CalFlora Database: ''Cercis occidentalis''USDA Plants Profile: ''Cercis orbiculata'' ''(Cercis occidentalis)''Interactive Distribution Map for ''Cercis occidentalis''
{{Taxonbar, from=Q5063945
Cercis, occidentalis
Flora of California
Flora of Arizona
Flora of Nevada
Flora of Utah
Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States)
Natural history of the California Coast Ranges
Garden plants of North America
Drought-tolerant plants
Ornamental trees
Flora without expected TNC conservation status