Cercis chinensis, commonly called Chinese redbud, is native to woodlands, thickets and slopes in central to southern China. This tree will grow to as much as 50' tall in its native habitat, but in cultivation in the U. S. it usually grows much smaller as an open, densely branched, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree to 8-15' tall. It is somewhat similar in appearance to Cercis canadensis which is native to eastern and central North America, except Chinese redbud has larger rose-purple flowers, glossier leaves, longer seed pods, shorter mature height, variable but usually less attractive fall color and lesser winter cold hardiness. Notwithstanding these differences, the two species can sometimes be difficult to distinguish. Clusters of tiny, rose-purple, pea-like flowers bloom profusely on the stems and branches for 2-3 weeks in early spring (March-April) before the foliage emerges. Rounded, leathery, heart-shaped green leaves (to 5 long) are attractive during the growing season. At their best, leaves will turn a respectable yellow in fall. Pendulous, flat, bean-like, seed pods (to 5ââ¬Â long) mature in late summer. nnGenus name comes from the Greek word kerkis meaning weaver's shuttle in reference to the shape of the flattened seed pods.n
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