Eastern Redbud vs Cornelian Cherry Dogwood - TreeTime.ca

Eastern Redbud vs Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

Cercis canadensis

Cornus mas

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Eastern Redbud
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

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.

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood is an ornamental plant with a variety of uses as it can be grown as a shrub, small tree, hedge, or privacy screen. The bright yellow flowers grow in clusters and bloom in late winter to early spring, providing an early food source for pollinators. They are visually striking as the flowers bloom before the leaves appear and last for several weeks.

Red, cherry-like fruits are produced in midsummer. They are edible but are better suited for preserves and syrups as the taste is fairly sour and astringent, similar to that of sour cherries and cranberries.

The Cornelian Cherry Dogwood was the winner of the Gold Medal Award from The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society as well as the Cary Award for having superior landscape appeal and for being winter hardy and pest resistant.

Eastern Redbud Quick Facts

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 4a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: medium


Flowers: rose-purple, pea-like
Flowers: yellow
Berries: red
Flavor: sour
Seeds: pod-like
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: judas tree
Other Names: cornelia cherry, cornelia cherry dogwood, cornelian cherry, cornelian cherry dogwood, european cornel