Water Wise Plants

SIR-sis ok-sih-den-TAY-liss

Western Redbud

Shrub

12-20 ft. tall and wide

None: avoid summer water

Full to half sun

Magenta

Western redbud's magenta flowers are quite a sight in the early spring. After blooming the small multi-trunked tree or large shrub has pretty heart-shaped leaves. This California native and UC Davis Arboretum All-Star is an excellent choice for a small space or an edge of woodland design. After the plant blooms, Western redbud sets distinctive seedpods.

Like many natives, this plant needs good drainage, so consider planting it on a mound. Avoid summer water. Cercis can be pruned over the winter to open up the branching structure to give the plant a more tree-like appearance.