Cercis occidentalis
| Cercis occidentalis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 7 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 15' |
| Blooms: | Mid Spring-Late Spring |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Nitrogen Fixer Shelter | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Cercis occidentalis (common name: western redbud)
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[1]. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water then cold stratify for 3 months[2]. Sow spring in the greenhouse[3]. 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[4].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[1].
Cultivation: Succeeds in most soils and pH types, but dislikes growing in wet soils, especially when these are of clay[1]. Prefers a deep damp sandy loam and a very sunny position[4][5]. Succeeds in light shade[1]. Dislikes drought[1]. Repays generous treatment[4].
This species does not flower very freely in Britain. Plants do not thrive at Kew, they prefer a hotter climate[4]. Plants require cool greenhouse treatment in Britain[6].
The flowers are produced on the branches of the previous or earlier years, and also on the trunk of the plant[7].
Plants are susceptible to coral spot fungus, especially when growing in areas with cooler summers where the wood is not fully ripened[4]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[1].
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[4].
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[1].
Range: South-western N. America - California to Arizona.
Habitat: Dry slopes and in canyons in foothills below 1100 metres[8].
Edibility: Flowers - raw. Added to salads[9], they have a pleasant acid taste[K]. The flower buds are pickled like capers[9].
Seedpods - roasted[10][11][9]. The pods are up to 9cm long[12].
Seed - cooked[9].
Pollinators: Bees
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Dirr, Michael and Charles Heuser. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press, 1987.
- ↑ Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Sargent, Charles. Manual of the Trees of North America. Dover, 1965.
- ↑ Munz, David. A California Flora. University of California Press, 1959.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Yanovsky, Elias. Food Plants of the North American Indians Publication 237. US Department of Agriculture.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ Elias, Thomas. The Complete Trees of North America. Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1980.