PlantFiles: Western Redbud, California Redbud
Cercis occidentalis

I have succeeded in propogating western redbud by collecting the seed pods in late summer or fall, burning them partially with a match, then planting them directly into small pots that I leave outside throughout the winter. Western redbud has a very long tap root, so once they begin to grow in the spring I transplant them quickly to larger pots and keep them watered throughout the summer. Once planted in the ground, water regularly for the first year or two until established.

Brought back a few plants I started from seed when I moved from the Sierras to Arkansas four years ago. Planted my Western redbuds in 50/50 sand/ gravel mix in a raised rock bed, with some large rocks thrown in for good measure. Grew like crazy once I got 'em out of the pots, now about 4 feet tall, branching with several stems from base. Doing fantastic despite huge amounts of rain, intense humidity and ice storms. Very pretty little leaves compared to other redbuds.

Plant this tree where it will receive some backlighting to light up the beautiful leaves.

This is an excellent alternative to the more common Eastern Redbud. The Western Redbud is drought tolerant while the Eastern Redbud prefers regular water. Water regularly the first year, but in following years, water rarely in summer. However, you can speed growth by watering weekly in summer. The leaves are beautiful. Some people find the seed pods ugly.

This species is difficult to buy in the SF East Bay. Mainstream nurserys are unable to get it. If you do find it, make sure it says Cersis Occidentalis on the tag. Some claim Western Redbud, yet they aren't. There is no substitute for a drought-tolerant native! I've spotted wild Western Redbuds along the congested Nimitz Freeway in Union City. Heck, if it could thrive there, it can thrive anywhere in California.

We love this tree. It provides year around interest and colour, and is extremely drought tolerant. The seed pods are collected in the fall, picked from the tree when completely dry and transparent. A very slow grower.

This is a very attractive large shurb or a small tree that is tolerant of clay soil. It likes full sun and regular summer water. The flowers emerge before the leaves. The tree needs a winter chill for the flower buds to set properly.