Western Redbud

Common Names

California Redbud

Scientific Names

Cercis occidentalis Fabaceae family

Basic Landscape Attributes

Height Range:

Fall Colors:

Width Range:

Flower Type:

Shape:

History of
the Tree Species

Found across the southwest U.S. from California to Utah and AZ Indigenous Californians use twigs to weave baskets and build bows Early settlers added blossoms to salads

Basic Growing Conditions

Full sun to partial shade Adaptable to different soils (preferred soil pH 5.0-8.0) Tolerates sodic soil Responds well to pruning Tolerates cold

Scientific Facts

Early folk healers used the bark to treat common maladies and even leukemia Flower buds make a good addition to salads and can be pickled like capers Seedpods often roasted and eaten

Location on tree on Shelby Ave:

The Shelby Avenue Arboretum is a community-grown project led by Nashville Tree Conservation Corps and is in partnership with NTCC and Metro Nashville.