PlantFiles: Redbud
Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'Oklahoma'

Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Part shade is best in hot climates. Since this tree does not transplant well, it should be planted when young and left undisturbed.

'Oklahoma' is noted for its bright wine red flowers (darker and brighter than most redbuds) and its glossy green foliage. It was discovered growing wild in the Arbuckle Mountains of Oklahoma in 1964. It is a small, deciduous understory tree which typically grows to 12-18' tall. Clusters of tiny, wine-red, pea-like flowers bloom profusely on the branches and mature trunks for 2-3 weeks in early spring (March-April) before the foliage emerges. Heart-shaped leaves open soft pink but gradually mature to a glossy rich green. Pendulous, flat, bean-like, 2-4" long seed pods resembling snow peas appear after flowering. The four-inch-long seedpods are a lovely purple color and remain on the tree well into the winter. Fall color is variable, but often includes attractive shades of reddish-purple and orange.