Flame Thrower® Redbud

Common Names

• Flame Thrower
• Eternal Flame (UK)

Scientific Names

• Cercis canadensis 'NC2016-2' PPAF
• Fabacae family

History of
the Tree Species

• Discovered and bred by Dennis Werner, Distinguished Emeritus Professor at the Department of Horticultural Science and NC State
• Cultivar of Eastern Redbud
• Won first place for Plant of the Year at the 2021 Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Chelsea Flower Show
• Renowned for its unique, vibrant, "kaleidoscopic" coloration

Scientific Facts

• Native American tribes made medicinal tea from bark of redbud trees
• Also took cold infusions of the roots & inner bark to treat fever and congestion
• Valuable for firewood in winter
• People in the Appalachian Mountains used young stems to season venison
• Flowers are edible and pea-like in taste