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Description
Cercis Canadensis Var. Mexicana, commonly known as the Mexican redbud, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the pea family. It is native to Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. It can grow up to 20 feet tall and 20 feet wide. The leaves are heart-shaped with a glossy green color, turning yellow in the fall. The Mexican redbud blooms in early spring with clusters of pink to purple flowers that grow directly on the branches and trunk, before the leaves appear.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Leguminosae |
| Genus | Cercis |
Appearance
The Mexican redbud has a rounded shape with a spreading canopy. The bark is smooth and gray, becoming darker and rougher with age. The heart-shaped leaves are 3-6 inches long and wide, with a glossy green color and a smooth texture. The flowers are pink to purple, and grow in clusters on the branches and trunk. The fruit is a flat, brown pod that contains seeds.
Care Guide
The Mexican redbud prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It is drought-tolerant once established, but benefits from occasional watering during dry periods. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer. Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged wood, and to shape the plant. The Mexican redbud is hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Mexican redbud is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to verticillium wilt, which causes leaves to wilt and die. Remove infected branches and improve soil drainage to prevent the spread of the disease. The Mexican redbud can also be damaged by deer and rabbits, who may browse on the leaves and bark.
Habitat
The Mexican redbud is native to Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States, including Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. It grows in dry, rocky areas, canyons, and slopes, at elevations of up to 7,000 feet.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Mexican redbud be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the Mexican redbud can be grown in containers, but it may not reach its full size and potential.
Q: How often should I water my Mexican redbud?
A: Water your Mexican redbud deeply once a week during the growing season, and less frequently during the winter months.
Q: Does the Mexican redbud attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the Mexican redbud attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds with its early spring blooms.
Q: Can the Mexican redbud be used as a specimen tree?
A: Yes, the Mexican redbud is an attractive and unusual specimen tree that can add interest and color to a landscape.
Related Plants
- Cercis Canadensis (Eastern Redbud)
- Cercis Chinensis (Chinese Redbud)
- Cercis Occidentalis (Western Redbud)
- Cercis Reniformis (Texas Redbud)
References
- Dirr, M. A. (1998). Manual of woody landscape plants: Their identification, ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation and uses. Stipes Publishing LLC.
- Huxley, A. (1992). The new Royal Horticultural Society dictionary of gardening. Macmillan.
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Cercis canadensis var. mexicana. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CECA13
