Description
Form: A shrub, or with pruning, a tree.
Leaf retention: Deciduous.
Growth rate: Slow.
Mature Size: 15-18' high and wide.
Flowers: Pink, appearing before leaf out, may persist as leaves develop, edible. The red buds stay closed for two weeks before opening, giving this plant is name.
Bloom: Mid winter to spring, depending on location.
Fruit: Seed pod, edible when young, drying to brown.
Leaves: Green, heart-shaped, smooth with undulating margins, leathery, turning yellow in the fall. This plant provides medium shade.
Stems: No thorns.
Roots: This is one of the few members of the Legume family that does not have root nodules and does not perform nitrogen-fixing.
Wildlife: Attracts butterflies, bees, and birds.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Texas and Mexico.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 6-9.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun to part shade.
Water after becoming established: Once or twice a month. Less water needed in part shade.
Soil: Tolerant, pH 5.6-8.5 (acidic to alkaline).
Prune: Pruning is required to develop a strong structure.
Litter: Seedpods, leaves in fall.
Propagation: Seed.
Uses: Ornamental, shade. The edible flowers and buds can be used in salads. The young seed pods can be eaten raw, sautéed, or boiled.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Legume family (Fabaceae). The scientific synonym for this plant is Cercis canadensis var. mexicana. It is more heat and drought tolerant, and smaller, than the Eastern and Texas Redbuds.

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