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Western Redbud
Western Redbud botanical plate
Field guide plate · click to zoom

Western Redbud

Cercis occidentalis
In the United States: Native · also called western redbud, california redbud

Honeybees visit Western Redbud primarily for its abundant early-spring pollen to support brood rearing, with moderate nectar rewards. Peak bloom occurs in March to April, providing a critical early-season forage source before many other plants flower. This drought-tolerant native shrub or small tree requires well-drained soil and occasional watering when young but is generally low-maintenance.

Nectarmedium
Pollenhigh
Bloom (US) March–May
Hardiness zones7-9
Duration~3 weeks
TypePerennial
Sunpartial

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