Bearberry vs Eastern Redbud - TreeTime.ca

Bearberry vs Eastern Redbud

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi

Cercis canadensis

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Bearberry
Eastern Redbud

Bearberry is a dwarf shrub known for its creamy pink flowers and red edible fruits.

It is great as a filler in gardens and flowerbeds in place of invasive ground cover plants, like English Ivy.

Bearberry will attract hummingbirds, butterflies and bees to your property. It is one of the top 12 plants recommended by the Alberta Native Bee Council to support pollinators.

The Eastern Redbud is known for the pea-like pink buds that emerge in clusters on the bark, embellishing the tree in stunning flowers. They have a longer bloom time, sometimes for two to three weeks before the heart-shaped leaves emerge for the summer. Inedible pods emerge that turn brown in the summer, this tree is a part of the bean family.

Native to the Eastern North America. The Eastern Redbud can tolerate acidic and alkaline soil. Plant this as a beautiful understory species or shaded residential yard or garden. The bright pop of color will make an attractive ornamental tree.

Bearberry Quick Facts

Eastern Redbud Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.1 m (0.3 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high


Foliage: leathery, evergreen
Flowers: small, purple-white
Flowers: rose-purple, pea-like
Berries: small red berries
Seeds: pod-like
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: kinnikinnick, mealberry, sandberry
Other Names: judas tree