Canada Plum vs Eastern Redbud - TreeTime.ca

Canada Plum vs Eastern Redbud

Prunus nigra

Cercis canadensis

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Canada Plum
Eastern Redbud

Canada Plum is a cold-hardy wild plum native to North America with small red fruit. They ripen in mid to late summer, with bitter, astringent skin surrounding sweet, slightly acidic flesh that clings to the stone. While some enjoy eating the plums fresh, they are more commonly used for baking and preserves. It is considered a universal pollinizer for other plum varieties and is often used for grafting or as a rootstock.

White to pink flowers appear in spring, often before the leaves, providing an early source of nectar and pollen for native bees and other pollinators. Birds and other wildlife also feed on the fruit, adding to its ecological value. Canada Plum can grow as a small tree or large, multi-stemmed shrub. It is well suited to a variety of projects, including fruit orchards for cross-pollination, as well as pollinator plantings, naturalization, and restoration projects.

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.

Canada Plum Quick Facts

Eastern Redbud Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 4a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: high


Fall colour: attractive yellow, gold
Bark: grey and scaly with age
Flowers: white
Flowers: rose-purple, pea-like
Fruit: under 1 inch round yellow fruits with red blush to completely red, tart skin with sweet flesh
Seeds: pod-like
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: MB, ON, QC, NB
Other Names: american plum, black plum, canada plum, horse plum, wild plum
Other Names: judas tree