Cercis texensis: Showy Pink to Purple Red Flowers of Texas Redbud

Summary: Cercis texensis is a New World tree native to Oklahoma and Texas. Texas Redbud upholds the redbud tradition of early spring profusion of showy pink flowers.

Texas Redbud in the landscape of south central Texas: sfbaywalk, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

Cercis texensis (pronounced as SER-sis kan-uh-DEN-sis variety teck-SEN-sis) is a New World tree native to two states in the south central United States. Cercis texensis claims homelands in Oklahoma and in Texas.

Texas Redbud exemplifies the dynamic flux of botanical nomenclature via its classification as a species or a subspecies.

As a species, its scientific name is Cercis texensis, which identifies it as a distinct species in the global genus of redbud trees, Cercis.

As a subspecies, its scientific name is Cercis canadensis var. texensis, or Cercis canadensis texensis, which identifies its relationship as a geographic variety of Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis).

Cercis texensis is known commonly in English as Texas Redbud.

Cercis reniformis has been considered as a synonym for Cercis texensis. The common name of Oklahoma Redbud reflects the appearance of Cercis reniformis in the Sooner State.

Texas Redbud accepts the variety of habitats that characterize their extensive homelands in Oklahoma and Texas. In addition to tolerance of cold, drought and heat, Texas Redbud also accepts a range of soil characteristics, from well-drained to calcareous, clay, rocky and sandy.

Texas Redbud may be enjoyed outside of its native range. Cercis texensis easily adapts to USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5A through 9A, with average annual minimum temperatures ranging from minus 20 to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 28.8 to 26.1 degrees Celsius) to 20 to 25 degrees F (minus 6.7 to minus 3.9 degrees C). Texas Redbud thrives as an introduced or naturalized tree throughout the continental, or Lower 48, United States, with the exception of Minnesota and North Dakota.

Texas Redbud attains a maximum height of around 25 to 30 feet (7.62 to 9.1 meters) and a maximum spread of 15 to 25 feet (4.5 to 7.62 meters).

Propensities as a redbud for low branches and multi-trunks contribute to natural gracefulness of Cercis texensis. As with other redbuds, Cercis texensis traces the silhouette of a globe or of a vase.

Flowers eagerly precede foliage to open as early spring bloomers in February. Showy reddish pink to rose purple flowers profusely bloom on branches and along the trunk.

Leaves emerge in shiny, dark greenness amidst flower blossoms. Tips are blunt or rounded on thick, heart-like or reniform (Latin: ren, “kidney” + formis, “having the form of”) shaped foliage. In autumn, leaves turn appealingly into golden colors of yellow or greenish yellow.

Seeds are encased in showy purple seedpods.

Texas Redbud has an ample ethnobotany. Native Americans of California's Central Valley, such as the Nisenan, and of northern California, such as Maidu, Mewuk and Pomo, use bark and wood for baskety. Native Americans in north coastal California's Mendocino County, such as the Pomo and the Yuki, incorporate the bark into a remedy for chills and fever.

The Havasupai (Havasupai: Havsuw’ Baaja) of the Grand Canyon make bows, fence posts and tool handles from the tree’s wood.

The Navajo (Navajo: Diné or Naabeehó) of the southwestern United States feature leaves as incense in their Mountain Chant and also favor roasted seeds in their cuisine.

Texas Redbud exudes a natural grace that is apparent not only in cultivated landscapes but also in wild areas.

Symmetrical placements along driveways and entry walks as well as groved or solitary designs and wild appearances showcase the pleasing palette and welcoming elegance of Cercis texensis.

Cercis texensis vivifies landscape at 49er Claude Chana Monument, Old Town Auburn, Placer County, northeastern California; on May 16, 1848, prospector Chana (1811-May 24, 1882) discovered gold in Auburn Ravine; sculpture by Auburn dentist Ken Fox: K M (cultivar413), CC BY 2.0, via Flickr

Acknowledgment

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

Image credits:

Texas Redbud, Government Canyon State Natural Area, Bexar County, south central Texas: sfbaywalk, CC BY 2.0, via Flickr @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/sfbaywalk/6834266464

Cercis texensis vivifies landscape at 49er Claude Chana Monument, Old Town Auburn, Placer County, northeastern California: K M (cultivar413), CC BY 2.0, via Flickr @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/131880272@N06/16999606049/

For further information :

Gilman, Edward F., and Edward G. Watson. "Cercis canadensis var. texensis: Texas Redbud." Fact Sheet ENH309. November 1993; reviewed May 2014. University of Florida IFAS Extension > Redbud > Southern Trees Fact Sheets > Leguminosae (Fabaceae)(taxonomic family).
Available @ http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st150

"Gold Miner - Ken Fox Statue." Roadside America.
Available @ http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/14434

Marriner, Derdriu. "Cercis mexicana: Purple Pink Spring Flowers of Mexican Redbud." Earth and Space News. Tuesday, April 28, 2015.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2015/04/cercis-mexicana-purple-pink-spring.html

Marriner, Derdriu. "Cercis siliquastrum: Deep Pink Spring Flowers of Judas or Judea Tree." Earth and Space News. Monday, April 27, 2015.
Available @ https://earth-and-space-news.blogspot.com/2015/04/cercis-siliquastrum-deep-pink-spring.html