Scientific Name: Cercis chinensis
Common Name: Redbud
Genus: Cercis
Cercis chinensis, commonly known as the Chinese redbud, is a deciduous tree native to various regions in China, including southern North China, East China, Central China, Southwest China, and parts of Southeast and Northwest China. It thrives in full sunlight and has moderate cold tolerance. This species prefers well-drained, fertile soil and can even grow in slightly alkaline conditions with a pH up to 8. However, it is sensitive to earthworms, which can damage its roots.
The tree is strong and resilient, making it easy to prune and shape. In garden landscapes, it typically grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching heights between 3 to 10 meters. Its branches are smooth and gray, and the crown is usually cup-shaped or irregularly spherical. The leaves are alternate, heart-shaped, or nearly round, with entire margins.
Flowers are purplish-red and appear at the base of one-year-old and older branches, often in clusters of 4 to 10 flowers or short racemes. They bloom in April, opening at the same time as the leaves. The fruit is a flat pod that remains on the tree through winter and into the following spring. Propagation is usually done through seeds, either in winter or early spring. Germination occurs within about 30 days, and seedlings can reach approximately 50 cm in height before flowering begins after three years. Additionally, vegetative propagation methods such as cuttings and layering are also effective.
The Chinese redbud is highly ornamental, with attractive foliage, dense clusters of vibrant flowers, and an overall elegant appearance. It is widely used in parks, lawns, and urban green spaces, and can be combined with evergreen trees or rock formations to create visually appealing landscapes. There are about 11 species in the genus Cercis, with some commonly cultivated varieties including C. racemosa, C. yunnanensis, and C. chuniana.
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