Eastern Redbud vs Marsh Cinquefoil - TreeTime.ca

Eastern Redbud vs Marsh Cinquefoil

Comarum palustre

Cercis canadensis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Marsh Cinquefoil
Eastern Redbud

Marsh Cinquefoil is a native perennial wetland plant with striking reddish-purple, star-shaped flowers. They bloom in early to mid-summer, providing nectar for bees, flies, and other pollinators. Beyond its summer blooms, the foliage turns red in autumn, adding seasonal interest to wetland landscapes.

Common in wetlands, pond margins, and wet meadows, Marsh Cinquefoil spreads by rhizomes to form colonies or patches that contribute to shoreline stabilization. It thrives in nutrient-poor, saturated soils where many other plants struggle, making it valuable in challenging wetland conditions. With its ecological function and ornamental appeal, it is well-suited for wetland plantings, ecological restoration, and naturalized 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.

Marsh Cinquefoil Quick Facts

Eastern Redbud Quick Facts

Zone: 1b
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: long
Growth form: ascending to upright
Spreading: seeds - medium, rhizomes - medium
Suckering: high


Flowers: dark red/maroon, star-shaped
Flowers: rose-purple, pea-like
Bloom time: summer
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: marsh five fingers, purple cinquefoil, purple marshlocks
Other Names: judas tree