Western Redbud Tree | Pink Blooming Drought Tolerant Tree

Western Redbud

5 Gallon · Multi

$99.00

1/5

Western Redbud

Cercis occidentalis

CA Native Drought Champion • Brilliant Yellow Fall Color • Essential for Water-Wise Gardens

$99.00

Size 5 Gallon · Multi 15 Gallon · Multi 24 Gallon · Multi 36" Box · Multi

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is California’s own native gem. Perfectly adapted to our dry summers, it thrives with no summer water once established. Its graceful, multi-trunked form, vibrant pink spring flowers, and brilliant yellow fall color make it an essential, low-maintenance tree for authentic, water-wise Bay Area landscapes.

A California native superstar, incredibly adapted to dry slopes, full sun, and the mineral soils of the Bay Area’s foothills and valleys.
Blooms with cheerful magenta-pink flowers on bare branches in early spring, followed by distinctive blue-green, rounded leaves.
Provides one of the best fall color displays among redbuds, turning a clear, bright yellow or golden-orange.
Requires little to no summer water once established, making it a cornerstone of drought-tolerant and native gardens.
Typically grows as a large, multi-branched shrub or small tree with a graceful, airy structure.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Rounded to kidney-shaped (reniform), blue-green leaves that turn vibrant shades of yellow and red in fall.Flowers: Small, pea-like, magenta-pink to deep rose flowers profusely cover the bare branches in early spring before the leaves emerge.Fruit: Produces reddish-purple seed pods that persist into winter.Habit: A deciduous large shrub or small multi-trunked tree with a low-branching, spreading, and rounded crown.
Mature Height: 10-18 ft.
Mature Width: 10-18 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Exceptional drought and heat tolerance once established.Spectacular spring floral display.Attractive, multi-season interest.Adaptable to poor and rocky soils.Important native plant for wildlife
Landscape Uses:Water-wise landscapes.Specimen flowering tree.Native and wildlife gardens.Hillside and erosion control

Q: How do I care for it to ensure it’s truly low-water?
A: Plant it in fall or winter. Water deeply to establish the first year or two, then gradually reduce frequency. Mature trees in coastal or clay soil areas may need no summer water at all. Overwatering is the main cause of failure.

Q: Can it be pruned into a single-trunk tree?
A: Yes, it can be trained when young. However, its natural multi-trunked, shrubby form is beautiful and recommended for a more informal, native landscape aesthetic.