Eastern Redbud vs Black-Eyed Susan - TreeTime.ca

Eastern Redbud vs Black-Eyed Susan

Cercis canadensis

Rudbeckia hirta

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(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

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Eastern Redbud
Black-Eyed Susan

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.

Black-Eyed Susan is a striking native wildflower known for its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark center disks. With deadheading, the plant can bloom for an extended period, from mid-summer to early fall. These cheerful flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Adding to its ecological value, the plant also acts as a host for the Wavy-Lined Emerald Moth (Synchlora aerata) and the Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) butterfly.

While it is typically a short-lived perennial or biennial, the plant freely self-seeds. This allows it to persist in the landscape, particularly in natural areas where it can spread and establish itself. This plant is drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and deer and rabbit-resistant, making it ideal for challenging environments. The Black-Eyed Susan is well suited to wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens, as well as slopes, banks, and naturalized areas.

Eastern Redbud Quick Facts

Black-Eyed Susan Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 3a
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Flowers: rose-purple, pea-like
Flowers: bright yellow; daisy-like
Bloom time: early summer to fall
Seeds: pod-like
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: SK, MB, ON
Other Names: judas tree
Other Names: hairy coneflower