Western redbud
Cercis occidentalis 路 Fabaceae 路 also California redbud
A multi-stemmed small tree or large shrub that covers its bare branches with magenta-pink pea flowers in late winter and early spring, followed by round, heart-shaped leaves and reddish-purple pods that hang on through winter. Leaves turn gold to red in cooler sites. It is a top choice for small, low-water California yards and parking strips, feeding native bees, leafcutter bees and hummingbirds, and it fixes nitrogen.
Where it stands
Care
Plant in full sun to part shade with good drainage; water every week or two the first summer and sparingly afterward. It needs a cool winter to flower well. Prune after bloom and it tolerates occasional hard renewal pruning. Caterpillars, scale and crown or root rot from wet soil are the usual problems.
Benefits
Good for