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Description
Cercis Canadensis Alley Cat, also known as Eastern Redbud, is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is a popular ornamental tree known for its vibrant pink and purple flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves appear. The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and 25 feet wide, with a rounded crown and a short trunk.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Cercis |
Appearance
Cercis Canadensis Alley Cat has heart-shaped leaves that are typically 3-6 inches long and wide. The leaves are green in the summer and turn yellow in the fall. The tree produces small, flat, brown seed pods that are about 2-4 inches long. The bark is dark gray and smooth when young, but becomes rough and scaly as the tree ages.
Care Guide
Cercis Canadensis Alley Cat is a relatively low-maintenance tree, but it does require some care to thrive. Here are some tips for caring for this tree:- Water: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week during dry periods.- Fertilization: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The tree prefers slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cercis Canadensis Alley Cat is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be susceptible to the following:- Canker: This fungal disease causes wilting, dieback, and cankers on the trunk and branches.- Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease causes yellowing, wilting, and death of the leaves and branches.- Japanese Beetles: These pests can defoliate the tree and damage the bark.
Habitat
Cercis Canadensis Alley Cat is native to the eastern United States, from southern Michigan to central Florida and west to eastern Texas. It grows in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and along stream banks.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cercis Canadensis Alley Cat grow in containers?
A: Yes, the tree can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full size.
Q: How often should I prune my Cercis Canadensis Alley Cat?
A: The tree does not require regular pruning, but you can prune it in the late winter or early spring to shape the tree or remove dead or damaged branches.
Q: Is Cercis Canadensis Alley Cat drought-tolerant?
A: The tree prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate some drought once established.
Q: Do I need to protect my Cercis Canadensis Alley Cat from frost?
A: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 4-9 and can tolerate frost and freezing temperatures.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants that you may be interested in:- Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’- Cercis chinensis ‘Avondale’- Cercis siliquastrum- Cercis occidentalis
References
– Dirr, Michael A. Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Timber Press, 1997.- Missouri Botanical Garden. Cercis canadensis. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=244270- University of Florida IFAS Extension. Eastern Redbud, Cercis canadensis L. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st263
