{"product_id":"white-eastern-redbud-1","title":"White Eastern Redbud","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe white redbud, Cercis canadensis f. alba, is the naturally occurring white-flowered form of our native eastern redbud—proof that nature doesn't always follow the script. While most redbuds announce spring in shades of pink and purple, this form opts for pure white blooms that create an entirely different mood in the landscape. The white redbud grows to a mature height of 20 to 30 feet with a slightly larger spread, developing the same graceful flat-topped vase shape or rounded crown as its pink-flowered counterpart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eBefore the heart-shaped leaves unfurl, clusters of white pea-like blooms cover the bare branches in early spring—arriving about a week after the typical pink species has started its show. These clouds of white against bare wood signal winter's retreat and create a striking contrast when planted alongside traditional pink or purple-flowered redbuds. The bloom period provides a critical nectar source when few other plants are flowering. The flowers attract an impressive parade of early-season pollinators, particularly long-tongued bees capable of reaching the deep nectaries. Among these visitors is the southeastern blueberry bee (Habropoda laboriosa), a specialist pollinator that relies on Cercis species as an important early-season food source before blueberries begin flowering [1]. Once pollinated, the flowers give way to flat brown seed pods that persist through winter, providing occasional forage for songbirds including cardinals, juncos, nuthatches, rose-breasted grosbeaks, and wild turkeys.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eAs summer progresses, the glossy heart-shaped leaves create a dense, rounded canopy that offers cooling shade. A subtle difference from the straight species—alba's emerging leaves are yellowish-green rather than showing the reddish tint typical of standard redbuds. Come fall, the foliage transitions to yellow tones before dropping to reveal the tree's architectural branching structure. The white redbud serves double duty in the landscape: it's both a lovely spring specimen and a valuable wildlife plant. The tree functions as a larval host for Henry's Elfin butterfly and supports approximately 19 to 24 species of Lepidoptera, including three specialist moths—the redbud leaffolder, promiscuous angle, and Cenopis chambersana—whose caterpillars feed exclusively on redbud foliage [2].\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe white-flowered redbud has an interesting origin story. Nurseryman John Teas discovered the original white form growing wild in the woods near Carthage, Missouri, around the turn of the twentieth century. The Missouri Botanical Garden purchased its first white redbud from Teas in 1903, and then acquired the rest of his stock—seven plants—in 1920. The Garden attempted to grow more from seed, but about half the seedlings reverted to pink flowers and the rest failed to match the pure white of their parents, illustrating the genetic variability that makes this form uncommon in the wild.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003ePlant the white redbud as an understory tree beneath taller shade trees, as a specimen near patios or entryways where its early blooms can be enjoyed up close, or in groupings for a dramatic spring display. Its white flowers pair beautifully with the pink blooms of typical eastern redbuds or the deeper purples of cultivars like 'Forest Pansy.' This tree thrives in USDA zones 4B through 9A, adapting to a range of soil types from clay to sandy loam, though it strongly prefers well-drained sites—soggy soils invite problems with verticillium wilt and canker.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eTransplant young trees, as redbuds resent root disturbance and older specimens struggle to establish. Once planted, keep trees well-watered until established and maintain a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch to moderate soil temperature and moisture. Site the tree in a relatively protected location, as the branches can be prone to breakage. Redbuds perform well in full sun to partial shade, though flowering will be most profuse in sunnier spots. One honest note: the Missouri Botanical Garden observes that alba may be less robust than the typical redbud, so give this tree a little extra attention getting established and it will reward you for years. The tree doesn't tolerate prolonged drought or heat stress, so supplemental watering during dry spells helps maintain vigor.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e[1] Xerces Society, \"From the Field: Trees for Bees\". \u003cbr\u003e[2] Tallamy, D.W. 2009. Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants. Updated and Expanded Edition. Timber Press, Portland, OR.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Blooms Nursery","offers":[{"title":"2 to 3 ft.","offer_id":47852032721141,"sku":null,"price":64.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3 to 4 ft.","offer_id":47852032753909,"sku":null,"price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"4 to 5 ft.","offer_id":47852032786677,"sku":null,"price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5 to 6 ft.","offer_id":47852032819445,"sku":null,"price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"6 + ft. (Pickup Only)","offer_id":47852032852213,"sku":null,"price":139.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Sale","offer_id":47852032884981,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2081\/3263\/files\/TexasWhiteRedbud.jpg?v=1773937702","url":"https:\/\/www.newblooms.com\/products\/white-eastern-redbud-1","provider":"New Blooms Nursery","version":"1.0","type":"link"}