Description
This California native tree or large shrub has magenta-pink spring flowers that open from dark red buds. Its leaves are round and develop muted yellow to red colors in the fall. It will grow with several trunks and look like a shrub for several years; then you can prune the lower branches out to show off the trunks. It can take heavy pruning.
The Western Redbud is useful in narrow areas near the house. Mature redbuds may develop flat seed pods which may persist into winter.
Size
Height: 20 to 25 feet
Spread: 20 to 30 feet
Growth Rate: moderate
Irrigation needed: very low to low water
Fall Color: yellow to red, muted
Flowers: profuse magenta-pink
Seeds/Fruit: flat, dark-pink bean pods on mature trees
Planting Distances
Front of green utility box: 8 feet
Building, paving, swimming pool: 6 feet
Fence, underground utilities: 3 feet
OK to plant under high voltage lines