General: California Redbud (Cercis orbiculata) is a medium-sized, many branched subtree most often found along washes. In early spring, redbuds become covered with purplish, pea-like flowers before the leaves bud out. The flowers produce pods similar to snow peas. The seed pods turn reddish brown and stay on the tree into the winter, long after the summer leaves drop.

California Redbud is found along washes and on hillsides in the Upper Sonoran (Mojave Desert Scrub and Pinyon-Juniper Woodland) and Transition (Yellow Pine Forest) life zones.

Family: Legume (Fabaceae).

Other Names: Judas tree. Formerly Cercis occidentalis.

Plant Form: Medium-sized, spindly, many branching subtree.

Height: 15-20 ft.

Trunk: Short, many branches.

Bark: Gray

Stems: Many upright branches.

Leaves: Simple, thick, and rounded or heart-shaped; glabrous, 7 to 9 prominent veins; alternate; 4-inches long, deciduous. Petiole about 3/4 inch.

Flowers: Bloom in the spring. Purple pea flowers. Inflorescence: 2 to 5 flowers. Flowers bilateral (typical pea flowers), appearing before leaves, purple to pink.

Seeds: Bean-like seeds produced in snow-pea-like pods; pods 2-3 inches long.

Habitat: Washes.

Elevation: Near sea level to about 5,000 feet.

Distribution:

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