Common Name: Western Redbud

General Information

Cercis occidentalis is a deciduous shrub with a fairly open, vase-shaped crown; it usually grows 2 - 5 metres tall and about as wide, in selected sites it can reach 8 metres[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

South-western N. America - California, Nevada, Utah and Arizona.

Habitat

Dry slopes and in canyons in foothills; at elevations up to 1,100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.50 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Cercis occidentalis is a plant of the semi-arid regions of southwestern N. America, experiencing hot dry summers and cool to cold moist winters. It does not flower freely or thrive in regions with cool summers, nor in areas with very mild winters - it requires winter temperatures falling to at least -2°c in order to initiate profuse flowering in the spring[].
Prefers a sunny position, though it can succeed in light shade, and prefers a well-drained soil[]. The plant repays generous treatment[]. Succeeds in most soils and pH types, but dislikes growing in wet soils, especially when these are of clay[]. Prefers a deep damp sandy loam[, ]. Tolerates moderate levels of drought[]. Plants can survive 1 - 3 months in inundated soils[].
The flowers are produced on the branches of the previous or earlier years, and also on the trunk of the plant[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].
Plants respond well to coppicing. Long, straight and slender shoots, ideal for basket making, are best produced by coppicing the plant one full growing season before harvest[].
Plants are susceptible to coral spot fungus, especially when growing in areas with cooler summers where the wood is not fully ripened[]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
Resents root disturbance, plants should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible, preferably in May, and should be kept well watered until established[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

Flowers - raw. Added to salads[], they have a pleasant acid taste[]. The flower buds are pickled like capers[].

Seedpods - roasted[, , ]. The pods are up to 9cm long[].
Seed - cooked[].
The above two reports are quite likely referring to the same food use since we have another report that says the seedpods are traditionally roasted in ashes and the seeds eaten[].

Medicinal

The roots and bark are astringent and are used as a remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is considered to be a good soil stabilizer for growing along degraded stream banks and has also been successfully used to revegetate roadside cuts[].

Other Uses

The young shoots, owing to their brilliant red colour and straight, flexible structure, are used for basketry[].

The wood of Cercis species is generally of good quality. It is coarse-textured, easy to work and finishes smoothly. It has a limited use in turnery and cabinet making, but is not available in quantity[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water then cold stratify for 3 months[]. Sow spring in the greenhouse[]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Plants resent root disturbance and are best planted out in their permanent positions as soon as possible[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].