Eastern Redbud vs Wood Lily - TreeTime.ca

Eastern Redbud vs Wood Lily

Lilium philadelphicum

Cercis canadensis

CUSTOM GROW

Wood Lily
Eastern Redbud

Wood Lily is a native perennial wildflower known for its vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of orange to red. Its showy flowers appear mid-summer and are highly visible in meadows and prairies. The upward-facing flowers are an important nectar source for many pollinators, including native bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Unlike most lilies, the Wood Lily’s flowers face upward rather than nodding. It is slow to establish and may take years before flowering, but once mature, it requires little maintenance. It is well-suited for pollinator gardens, naturalisation projects, prairie restoration, and open woodland plantings.

Wood Lily is the provincial flower of Saskatchewan and North America’s most widespread lily. Despite its wide natural range, populations have been declining. Habitat loss, overgrazing by deer, and unsustainable picking have reduced both its abundance and density across many regions. These pressures highlight the importance of protecting and restoring this once-common wildflower.

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.

Wood Lily Quick Facts

Eastern Redbud Quick Facts

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Zone: 2b
Zone: 4a
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 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: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: long
Growth form: upright
Spreading: seeds - low
Suckering: high

Toxicity: toxic to cats

Flowers: bright orange to red with dark spots
Flowers: rose-purple, pea-like
Bloom time: early to mid summer
Seeds: pod-like
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC
Other Names: prairie wood lily, red lily, red wood lily
Other Names: judas tree