1. Home
2. Science
3. International Cultivar Name Registration
4. Cercis ICRA

Cercis ICRA

Redbuds (Cercis species) are popular landscape plants in the U.S, valued primarily for their showy early spring bloom, glossy heart-shaped foliage, and adaptability to diverse environmental conditions. In 2014, redbuds had a total crop value of $26.7 million in the U.S, with nearly a million plants grown annually.

This checklist was compiled as part of the U.S. National Arboretum’s duties as the International Cultivar Registration Authority (ICRA) for Cercis, which was granted to the Arboretum in 2013. The ICRA is a voluntary system of registering plant names to promote the stability of cultivated plant nomenclature by preventing duplication of names and ensuring that names are in accord with the latest edition of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants (ICNCP). It confers no legal protection over the name or the plant, and does not imply distinctiveness, value, or performance of the plants in question. It is simply a mechanism to establish and document plant names.

This checklist is formatted in keeping with the recommendations and style of the ICNCP. Names are listed in alphabetical order. The abbreviated reference for a name is placed in parentheses, followed by a description, if available, and other information including source, introducer, etc. The first reference listed is the first publication of the cultivar name. Other publications are ones that we deemed provided practical descriptive information for nursery growers. Synonyms are cited at the end of each entry following the “equals” sign. Accepted (valid) cultivar names are designated in bold type, and undetermined or unaccepted names are in plain type. All cultivars are C. canadensis L. unless otherwise indicated.

Checklist of Cercis cultivars

‘Ace of Hearts’ (U.S. Plant Patent #17161, 2005). Found, named, and introduced by Paul Woody. (HortScience 40:2209–2210, 2005): Deciduous, compact, multi-stemmed tree; 4 m tall and 5 m wide at 8 yrs; young branches are greenish (RHS 146B-C) becoming dark gray-brown to grayish-brown (199A, 200B-C), bark is grayish (RHS 197B); lvs are broad ovate-cordate, 4 to 6.5 cm long and 4 to 6.3 cm wide, upper surface is dark green (132A, 136A, 139A), smooth-textured and somewhat shiny, lower surface is pale with conspicuously reticulate veinlets; fls light violet (82A-B), calyx reddish-purple (RHS 71B-C).

‘Alba’ (American Nurseryman, March 1, 1990): C. canadensis. White-flowered eastern redbud. (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): Likely multiple clones exist under this name. Based on Cercis canadensis f. alba Rehder. Because this name is used multiple times within the genus, it must always be displayed together with the full name of the species.

‘Alba’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. occidentalis. White-flowered California redbud. Introduced by Rancho Santa Anna Botanical Garden in Claremont, CA. Name not established as it does not meet the provisions of the ICNCP, Article 21.11, stating that a name that is entirely in Latin cannot be established after Jan 1, 1959.

‘Alba’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. chinensis. White-flowered Chinese redbud. Name not established as it does not meet the provisions of the ICNCP, Article 21.11, stating that a name that is entirely in Latin cannot be established after Jan 1, 1959.

‘Alba’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. siliquastrum. White-flowered Mediterranean redbud. Sold in Europe. Name registered June 13, 2016. Based on Cercis siliquastrum var. alba Weston. Because this name is used multiple times within the genus, it must always be displayed together with the full name of the species.

= ‘Albida’

‘Albida’: based on Cercis siliquastrum f. albida C. K. Schneid.

= C. siliquastrum ‘Alba’

‘Alley Cat’ (Pleasant Run Nursery Catalog, Allentown, NJ, 2016): Variegated eastern redbud with white splashes, reported to be stable and scorch resistant. To 20’ tall and 20’ wide. Found by Alan Bush in an alley near his home in Kentucky. Introduced by Harald Neubauer of Hidden Hollow Nursery.

‘Amethyst Mist’ (Hatch, Laurence. The Redbuds: Varieties of the Genus Cercis. TCR Press. Raleigh, NC. Digital PDF eBook, 2010): Leaves emerge white with green speckles, transitioning to green during the season. Plants grown at JC Raulston Arboretum (NC) came from Shadow Nursery, TN. May be the same as ‘Mardi Gras’. Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

= (?) ‘Mardi Gras’

‘Appalachia’ (American Nurseryman, March 1, 1990). = ‘Appalachian Red’

‘Appalachian Red’ (Pleasant Run Nursery Catalog, Allentown, NJ, 2016): Eastern redbud to 20’ tall and 20’ wide with neon pink flowers. Found by Dr. Max Byrkit in Maryland. This cultivar was originally named ‘Appalachia’ (American Nurseryman, March 1, 1990), but the introducer (Harald Neubauer) and most nursery catalogs and gardens list the plant as ‘Appalachian Red’ (American Gardener, July/August 2007). Thus, ‘Appalachian Red’ best preserves existing usage and is the accepted name following provisions of the ICNCP (Art. 29.2).

= ‘Appalachia’

‘Arborea’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. chinensis. “Listed in Hortus Third with no information and does not seem to now exist in cultivation. Name not established as it does not meet the provisions of the ICNCP, Article 21.11, stating that a name that is entirely in Latin cannot be established after Jan 1, 1959.”

‘Avondale’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. chinensis. More floriferous Chinese redbud selected in Avondale, New Zealand. Introduced by Duncan and Davies Nursery in New Zealand.

‘Bartlett King’ (Hatch, Laurence. The Redbuds: Varieties of the Genus Cercis. TCR Press. Raleigh, NC. Digital PDF eBook, 2010): Eastern redbud with pink flowers and reportedly sterile; originated with Bartlett Tree Labs in Charlotte, NC prior to 1990. Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

‘Big John’ (Heritage Seedlings & Liners Catalog, 2016–2017): Floriferous C. chinensis with pink flowers and rounded leaves. Name registered November 1, 2017.

= ‘Bubble Gum’

‘Bodnant’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. siliquastrum with deep purple flowers. Originally planted in 1876 in Bodnant Garden, Wales. Sold commercially in England.

‘Bonita’ (Friends of the JC Raulston Newsletter 13(1):8, 2009): C. canadensis var. mexicana with exceptionally glossy leaves and regularly undulate margins. Named by J.C. Raulston but propagation and distribution records uncertain; possibly lost to cultivation. Name not established since cultivar may not have still existed at time of publication (ICNP, Article 27).

‘Brandywine’ (International Register of Ornamental Plant Cultivars: Woody Plants A-Z Book V, 2017): A selection of C. chinensis listed without description by Blue Horizon Nursery. Registered in Open Registration of Cultivars online in 2015. Name not yet established as it was listed without a description (ICNCP, Article 27.1).

‘Bubble Gum’ (Hatch, Laurence. The Redbuds: Varieties of the Genus Cercis. TCR Press. Raleigh, NC. Digital PDF eBook, 2010): Likely an interspecific C. chinensis. Less magenta, more pink flowers than wild-type C. chinensis. Named by John Allen of Shiloh Nursery (Harmony, NC). Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

= ‘Big John’

BURGUNDY HEARTS™: see ‘Greswan’ BURGUNDY HEARTS™

‘Carnea’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. siliquastrum with flowers lighter pink than wild type. Based on Cercis siliquastrum var. carnea, and established at least as early as 1884 by George Nicholson in The Garden XXV(649):348, April 26, 1884; it was described (although not named) by Philip Miller in The Gardeners Dictionary I. 1768.

CAROLINA SWEETHEART™: see ‘NCCC1’ CAROLINA SWEETHEART™

‘Cascading Hearts’ (U.S. Plant Patent #18528, 2008): Discovered in 1997 by Steven Bennett in Thompsons Station, TN; found to be more cold-hardy than ‘Traveller’ with denser foliage and less sunscald than ‘Covey’; grows to 90 cm tall and 110 cm wide after five years; leaves 7.2 cm long and 8.4 cm wide; flowers close to light purple (76A). (Pleasant Run Nursery Catalog, 2012): Weeping eastern redbud from Riverbend Nursery in Tennessee.

‘Celestial Plum’ (National Redbud Collection – North American Plant Collections Consortium Pamphlet, JC Raulston Arboretum, March 2010): Selection of C. glabra received at the JC Raulston Arboretum in 2009; selected for blue-green foliage and light plum-purple flowers; listed as a small multi-stemmed tree. Name not yet established because pamphlet does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

‘Chongyang’ (U.S. Plant Patent application #20170311503, 2017): C. chinensis. Cultivar distinguished by its reliable flowering in both spring and again in autumn, over a long season (late September to frost.) Discovered as a mutant seedling in 2005 in Yushan Village, Suiping County, Henan Province, China by Huaming Wang and introduced by Henan Mingpin Colorized Seedling Co. of Suiping, China.

‘Claremont’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. occidentalis. Deep magenta flowered California redbud. Introduced by Rancho Santa Anna Botanic Garden in Claremont, CA.

‘Columbus’ (Hatch, Laurence. The Redbuds: Varieties of the Genus Cercis. TCR Press. Raleigh, NC. Digital PDF eBook, 2010): Seed strain of eastern redbud collected near Columbus, WI that is possibly hardy to USDA Zone 4. Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

= ‘Wisconsin’, Wisconsin strain

COTTON CANDY™: see ‘Sjo’ COTTON CANDY™

= ‘John Sjo’

‘Covey’ (U.S. Plant Patent #10328, 1998): Grows to 1.5 m tall and 2.5 m wide after 30 years; leaves are 7 to 10 cm long and 8 to 12 cm wide; flowers are strong reddish purple (78B). (Breeding Efforts in Cercis at North Carolina State University, Metropolitan Tree Improvement Alliance, May, 2002): Weeping eastern redbud found in Cornelia Covey’s garden in Westfield, NY in the 1960s; propagated and patented by Tim Brotzman (Madison, OH). Has wild-type flowers and abundant fruit.

= ‘Covey’ LAVENDER TWIST™

= ‘Fantasy Falls’

‘Crosswicks Red’ (Princeton Nurseries Catalog 2006 – 2007): Eastern redbud with flowers more red than the wild type. Grows to 20’ to 30’ tall and 20’ to 30’ wide.

‘Don Egolf’ (American Nurseryman 92(12):28, 2000): C. chinensis. Deciduous, slow-growing, compact, multi-stemmed shrub to 9’ tall and 9.5’ wide at 15 years; heavy, dark green, heart-shaped leaves; prolific, bright rosy mauve flowers in early spring; seedless. Originated from open pollinated seed collected from cultivated plants growing in the urban and suburban districts of Kunming, Yunnan, People’s Republic of China. Released July 2000 by Margaret Pooler and named after renowned U.S. National Arboretum plant breeder Donald Egolf. Additional references: HortScience 36(5): 835. August 2001: Cercis chinensis ‘Don Egolf’. Registered [at Brooklyn Botanic Garden on behalf of the ICRA for Unassigned Woody Genera] 6 Sept. 2000. Registrant: Dr. Margaret Pooler, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20002, U.S.A. This cultivar was selected in 1992 by Ruth Dix from open-pollinated seed obtained from China (NA 53523), grown at the U.S. National Arboretum. It is named in honor of the deceased plant breeder Dr. Donald Egolf. Cercis chinensis ‘Don Egolf’ (NA 63877; PI 584482) is a sterile, compact, vase-shaped shrub that produces abundant rosy-mauve flowers in early spring but does not produce fruit. Cercis chinensis ‘Don Egolf’ has a slower growth rate than the species and may have a higher resistance to Botryosphaeria dothidia canker. This new cultivar is easily propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings and is hardy in zones 6-9 (USDA). It was commercially introduced in the United States in 2000. A photograph has been deposited at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

‘Dwarf White’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): White flowered eastern redbud with compact habit. Discovered in Illinois. Additional references: HortScience 40(7):2209-2210, 2005: small upright tree, 3 to 4 m tall, with white flowers; Journal of Environmental Horticulture 27(1): 12-16, 2009.

‘Fantasy Falls’(Hatch, Laurence. The Redbuds: Varieties of the Genus Cercis. TCR Press. Raleigh, NC. Digital PDF eBook, 2010): Was a provisional name for ‘Covey’ LAVENDER TWIST™ and was never officially used.

= ‘Covey’ LAVENDER TWIST™

‘Flame’ (Arnoldia 26(3): 15. 1966. More Plant Registrations): A seedling of unknown origin found in the wild at Ft. Adams, Mississippi by Mr. Anderson Gratz about 1905 and introduced by the Louis Gerardi Nursery of O’Fallon, Illinois in 1965. “It has a more nearly erect branching habit than the usual seedling C. canadensis. The flowers open relatively later. Its flowers are large for the species, bearing frequently multiple, non-functional pistils, several anthers and about 20 petals per flower. The flowers open in campanulate form with color typical of the species.” Registered [with the Arnold Arboretum on behalf of the ICRA for Unassigned Woody Genera] by Prof. J. C. McDaniel, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois. June 30, 1964. Additional references: Journal of Environmental Horticulture 27(1): 12-16, 2009. Breeding Efforts in Cercis at North Carolina State University, Metropolitan Tree Improvement Alliance, May 2002: Double-flowered eastern redbud with 20 to 25 petals and additional stamens; found in 1902 in Illinois and introduced by Louis Geraldi Nursery (O’Fallon, IL) in 1965. Observed to flower later and to be seedless.

FLAME THROWER™: see ‘NC2016-2’ FLAME THROWER™

‘Floating Clouds’ (Horticulture Research 2: 15049, 2015): Eastern redbud with white/green leaf variegation. (Friends of the JC Raulston Arboretum Newsletter Vol. 10, No. 2, Fall 2006): Variegated eastern redbud with white and green sectoral blotches on leaves; discovered by Don Black (Charlie’s Creek Nursery, Iva, SC); reportedly holds variegation longer than ‘Silver Cloud’.

‘Flora-Plena’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. siliquastrum with double flowers; may no longer be in cultivation. Name not established as it does not meet the provisions of the ICNCP, Article 21.11, stating that a name that is entirely in Latin cannot be established after Jan 1, 1959.

‘Forest Pansy’ (U.S. Plant Patent #2556, 1965) Leaves 4 to 6 inches long and 3.5 to 6 inches wide, leaves emerge glossy pansy purple on upper surface and lower surface, mature to glossy pansy purple on upper and lower surface, with prominent veins showing a green coloration, later in season leaves turn to spinach green, on upper surface and willow green on lower surface with fusing of grey light pansy purple, and petioles showing a blending of garnet brown and pansy purple; flowers sparse and appear before leaves in clusters, same size as wild-type colored rosy magenta; fruit: linear-oblong legume 2 to 3 inches long. (Color source not given) (SNA Research Conference 38: 342-345, 1993): Eastern redbud with purple foliage and wild-type flowers; found at Forest Nursery (McMinnville, TN) in 1947.

‘Fructu-Rubra’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. siliquastrum with fruits redder than wild-type; may no longer be in cultivation. Name not established as it does not meet the provisions of the ICNCP, Article 21.11, stating that a name that is entirely in Latin cannot be established after Jan 1, 1959.

‘Genpei’ (Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science 137:189-201. 2012): Selection of C. chinensis. No description given. Name not yet established as it was listed without a description (ICNCP, Article 27.1).

‘Gold Crown’ (Hatch, Laurence. The Redbuds: Varieties of the Genus Cercis. TCR Press. Raleigh, NC. Digital PDF eBook, 2010): Redbud with gold foliage. Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

GOLDEN FALLS™: see ‘NC2015-2’ GOLDEN FALLS™

‘Gong Fen’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. chingii with unknown characteristics. Name not yet established as it was listed without a description (ICNCP, Article 27.1).

‘Greswan’ (U.S. Plant Patent #19654, 2009): Eastern redbud with burgundy foliage; found in a seedling crop in Park Hill (OK) in 2000; produces more new foliage than ‘Forest Pansy’, lower leaf surface is burgundy, and mature foliage is darker green and more heart-shaped than ‘Forest Pansy; grows to 6 to 7.6 m tall after seven years; mature upper leaf surface is dark red (183A) and mature lower leaf surface is dark red (187A); flowers are deep purplish red (71A).

= ‘Greswan’ BURGUNDY HEARTS™

‘Hearts of Gold’ (U.S. Plant Patent #17740, 2007): Discovered in the spring of 2002; appear to be more vigorous and uniformly growing than ‘Forest Pansy’, ‘Appalachia’, ‘Covey’, and ‘Tennessee Pink’; grows to 4 m tall and 4 to 4.5 m wide after four years; new foliage emerges reddish orange (31A), matures to brilliant greenish yellow (151D) in sun and to yellowish green (144A) in shade; flowers reddish purple (78B). (Redbud Resurgence, American Nurseryman, March 1, 2006): Selection of eastern redbud with yellow leaves; discovered by Jon Roethling in Greensboro, NC; more vigorous and larger leaves than most cultivars.

‘John Sjo’ (International Register of Ornamental Plant Cultivars: Woody Plants A-Z Book V, 2017): C. canadensis with pale-pink flowers and lavender striping on young branches. Introduced through Garden Debut®. Described in Open Registration of Cultivars online in 2015, but officially patented in the U.S. as ‘Sjo’.

= ‘Sjo’ COTTON CANDY™

‘JN2’ (U.S. Plant Patent #21451, 2010): Selection of eastern redbud with orange-to-yellow foliage with green speckles; reportedly more drought tolerant than ‘Hearts of Gold’; new foliage emerges brilliant orange- yellow (23B), becoming brilliant greenish yellow (6C), and matures greenish yellow (151D), and eventually moderately yellowish green (139B) with some lighter and darker speckling. Found in 2006 and introduced by Ray Jackson and Cindy Jackson of Belvidere, TN.

= ‘JN2’ THE RISING SUN™

‘JN3’ (U.S. Plant Patent #22298, 2011): found as a branch sport of ‘JN2’ in 2008 by Ray Jackson and Cindy Jackson of Belvidere, TN; foliage appears similar in color to ‘JN2’, but also has a wavy, rugose, green leaf margin. (Pleasant Run Nursery Catalog, 2012): Selection of eastern redbud with bi-colored leaves; a sport of ‘JN2’; foliage has orange-to-yellow centers with dark green rims; grows to 20’ tall and 18’ wide.

= ‘JN3’ SOLAR ECLIPSE™

‘JN7’ (U.S. Plant Patent #25701, 2015): found by Ray Jackson and Cindy Jackson of Belvidere, TN in 2007; found to be more upright and vase shaped than ‘Greswan’; branch angles of 45° from vertical, compared to 60° from vertical for ‘Greswan’; grows to 60 to 7.5 m tall and 2.8 m wide; leaves 13.6 cm wide and 13.6 cm tall; mature leaves upper surface moderate olive green (137A) and lower surface moderate yellowish green (138B). (Pleasant Run Nursery Catalog, 2016): Selection of Eastern redbud with upright vase-shaped habit and wild-type flowers; grows to 30’ tall and 15’ wide.

= ‘JN7’ SUMMER’S TOWER™

‘JN16’ (U.S. Plant Patent #28627, 2017): originated from the cross ‘Ruby Falls’ × ‘JN2’ made in 2012, found to be less pendulous than ‘Ruby Falls’ and more compact and longer leaf color retention than ‘Ruby Falls’, ‘JN2’, and ‘Forest Pansy’, mature leaves upper surface close to deep reddish purple (N77A), veins close to dark green (132A) and lower surface close to moderate yellowish green (138B) and moderate purplish red (59C), flowers vivid reddish purple (N74B).

JOY’S PRIDE™: see ‘Morton’ JOY’S PRIDE™

‘Kay’s Early Hope’ (HortScience 48: 404, 2013): Cercis chinensis ‘Kay’s Early Hope’. Registered 4 Feb. 2013. Registrant: Mark Weathington, JC Raulston Arboretum, NC State University, Campus Box 7522, Raleigh, NC 27695-7522, USA. This cultivar occurred as a chance seedling in cultivation at the JC Raulston Arboretum based on wild collected material from Hubei Province, China. The seedling was observed in 2007, selected in Apr. 2008 and first propagated in 2009. It has flowered for two years after propagation. Estimated height at 10 years is 5 m with a spread of 3.5 m. Cercis chinensis ‘Kay’s Early Hope’ is a multi-stemmed large shrub or small tree of medium growth rate, and is distinguished by very early and long-lasting flowering – starting in late February/early March in North Carolina and continuing for up to 8 weeks. The plant is considered hardy in USDA zones 5 to 10 and was introduced commercially in 2009 at the NC Nursery & Landscape Association Summer Trade Show. A photograph of the cultivar has been deposited at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Herbarium (BKL). Additional information: Named for the late Kate Yow, head women’s basketball coach at NC State University.

LAVENDER TWIST™: see ‘Covey’ LAVENDER TWIST™

‘Little Woody’ (U.S. Plant Patent #15854, 2005). Found, named, and introduced by Paul Woody. (HortScience 40:2209–2210, 2005): Deciduous, compact, multi-stemmed tree, 3.3 m tall and 3 m wide at 8 yrs; young branches are greenish (RHS 146A and 147B) becoming dark gray-brown to brown (201A), bark is grayish (197A); lvs are broadly ovate-cordate, 4 to 6 cm long and 4 to 7 cm wide, entire and slightly turned downward at the margin, upper surface is dark green (132A), bullate-rugose, and lower surface is pale with conspicuously reticulate veinlets; fls purplish (81B-C) and calyx (71B-C).

‘Mardi Gras’ (Shadow Nursery Catalog, Winchester, TN, 2016): Leaves open white with new growth a delicate pink. Slow growing.

= (?) ‘Amethyst Mist’

‘Merlot’ (U.S. Plant Patent #22297, 2011). (HortScience 45:146-147, 2010): Purple-leaved redbud derived from an F₂ population of ‘Texas White’ × ‘Forest Pansy’; hybridized initially in 1999 by Dennis Werner and Layne Snelling at North Carolina State University, selected in 2004 and released in 2009; leaves are 12.8 cm long and 13.1 cm wide, upper surface of emerging leaves is deep reddish purple (N77A) and lower leaf surface is dark red (59A); mature to moderate olive green (137A); flowers light purple (N78C); upright growth and heat tolerance superior to ‘Forest Pansy’.

‘Minrouge3’ (International Register of Ornamental Plant Cultivars: Woody Plants A-Z Book V. L.C Hatch: 2017): A selection of C. canadensis with leaves bright purplish-red compared to purple as in ‘Forest Pansy’. Introduced by Minier Nurseries, Anjou, France. Registered in Open Registration of Cultivars online in 2017. Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

= ‘Minrouge3’ RED FORCE®

‘Morton’ (IPM for Select Deciduous Trees in Southeastern US Nursery Production. A.F. Fulcher and S.A. White, eds., 2013): Selection of eastern redbud with deep lavender-pink flowers, selected for purple-black fruit; grows to 15-25’ tall and 15-20’ wide. Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

= ‘Morton’ JOY’S PRIDE™

‘Nana’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. chinensis that grows 3-4’ tall. Name not established as it does not meet the provisions of the ICNCP, Article 21.11, stating that a name that is entirely in Latin cannot be established after Jan 1, 1959.

‘NC2007-8’ (Pleasant Run Nursery Catalog, 2016): Weeping selection of eastern redbud with variegated leaves; resulted from hybrid of ‘Covey’ × ‘Silver Cloud’ by Dennis Werner and Layne Snelling at North Carolina State University; grows 8’ tall and 6’ wide.

= ‘Whitewater’

‘NC2008-1’ (Pleasant Run Nursery Catalog, 2016): Selection of eastern redbud with double flowers and glossy leaves; resulting from cross of ‘Flame’ × ‘Oklahoma’ by Dennis Werner (North Carolina State University) and Alex Neubauer (Hidden Hollow Nursery, Belvidere, TN); flowers larger and darker pink to purple than ‘Flame’; sterile; glossy leaves.

= ‘Pink Pom Poms’

‘NC2015-2’ (Star Roses and Plants online catalog ( https://www.starrosesandplants.com/plants/shrubs/golden-falls-cercis). 2019): Young leaves are orange-tinged, later changing to yellow; color is heat-resistant. Habit is narrow, weeping. Patent applied for; to be introduced in 2020.

= ‘NC2015-2’ GOLDEN FALLS™

‘NC2016-2’ (Star Roses and Plants online catalog ( https://www.starrosesandplants.com/plants/shrubs/flame-thrower-cercis). 2019): Young leaves are burgundy-red, later changing to yellow and finally green with age; all colors remain effective for the duration of the growing season. Habit semi-pendulous. Patent applied for; to be introduced in 2020.

= ‘NC2016-2’ FLAME THROWER™

‘NC-3’ (Breeding Efforts in Cercis at North Carolina State University, Metropolitan Tree Improvement Alliance, May, 2002): C. canadensis var. mexicana with pubescent stems and leaves and purple fruit that persist; selected by J.C. Raulston, but not officially released.

‘NCCC1’ (U.S. Plant Patent #27712, 2017). (Pleasant Run Nursery Catalog, 2016): Eastern redbud with variegated tricolor leaves showing purple, pink, and white margins; leaves mature to bronze green; grows to 30’ tall and 25’ wide; developed in a partnership between the North Carolina State University and North Carolina nurserymen.

= ‘NCCC1’ CAROLINA SWEETHEART™

NORTHERN HERALD™: see ‘Pink Trim’ NORTHERN HERALD™

‘Northern Strain’ (IPM for Select Deciduous Trees in Southeastern US Nursery Production. A.F. Fulcher and S.A. White, eds., 2013): Selection of eastern redbud with increased cold hardiness; grows to 25’ tall and 30’ wide; selected by the University of Minnesota. Name not established because the ICNCP prohibits the use of “strain” in a cultivar name, unless published prior to 1996. (ICNCP, Article 21.17).

= Northland Strain, Minnesota Strain

‘Oklahoma’ [C. canadensis var. texensis] (Arnoldia 26(3): 15. 1966. More Plant Registrations): A seedling of unknown parentage originating in the Arbuckle Mountains, Murray County, Oklahoma discovered by Otis Warren of Warren and Son Nursery, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in the spring of 1964. Introduced by the same nursery in 1965. “Leaves closely spaced, thick and lustrous, resembles Cercis reniformis, bloom is a red-purple over the entire flower, and it blooms heavily at an early age.” Found in Zone 6. Registered [with the Arnold Arboretum on behalf of the ICRA for Unassigned Woody Genera] by Otis Warren November 12, 1964. Additional references: SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. canadensis ssp. texensis with darker magenta-purple flowers and glossy leaves; found in the Arbuckle mountains of Oklahoma and introduced by Warren & Son Nursery (Oklahoma City, OK) in 1964.

‘Oklahoma Whitebud’ = ‘Texas White’

‘Pauline Lily’ (Hidden Hollow Nursery Catalog, 2011): A West Virginia introduction with pale pink flowers; (Breeding Efforts in Cercis at North Carolina State University, Metropolitan Tree Improvement Alliance, May 2002): Selection of eastern redbud with very pale pink flowers; found in West Virginia and named after wife of discoverer; reportedly flowers later than species; introduced by Harald Neubauer (Hidden Hollow Nursery, Belvidere, TN).

‘Penduliflora’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): Selection of C. siliquastrum with drooping flowers and long pedicels; may no longer be in cultivation. Name not established as it does not meet the provisions of the ICNCP, Article 21.11, stating that a name that is entirely in Latin cannot be established after Jan 1, 1959.

‘Pinkbud’ (Redbud, American Nurseryman, J.C. Raulston, March 1, 1990): Eastern redbud with pure pink flowers; found on Kansas City estate.

‘Pink Heartbreaker’ (U.S. Plant Patent #23043, 2012): discovered in a cultivated area at Leesport, PA, found to be weeping and grow more vigorously than ‘Covey’ and ‘Cascading Hearts’ to 2.59 m after 3 years, mature leaves upper surface green (137C) and lower surface lighter green (139C). (In Praise of Noble Trees, Michael Dirr, ASLA Lecture, September 12-13, 2010): A weeping selection of eastern redbud that is vigorous and has pink flowers; introduced in 2010.

‘Pink Pom Poms’ (U.S. Plant Patent #27630, 2017): derived from seed collected from ‘Flame’ thought to be fertilized by ‘Oklahoma’, has glossy green leaves [upper surface green (137A) and lower surface green (138A)], purple-violet double flowers (N80A), and thought to be essentially sterile due to lack of observed fruit. Name registered November 22, 2017.

= ‘NC2008-1’

‘Pink Trim’ (Descriptions of 51 NDSU Woody Plant Introductions, Todd West, 2011): Selection of eastern redbud with increased cold hardiness; grows to 20’ tall; green leathery leaves better than wild type; attractive pink flowers and fruit set reduced from wild type; collaboratively released by North Dakota State University and Greg Morgenson, former manager at Lincoln-Oakes Nurseries (Bismarck, ND) in 2009. Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

= ‘Pink Trim’ NORTHERN HERALD™

‘Plena’ (Redbud, American Nurseryman, J.C. Raulston, March 1, 1990): Eastern redbud with semi-double flowers; probably different from ‘Flame’; originated before 1894. Based on Cercis canadensis var. plena Sudw., published in Bulletin No. 11, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Forestry: Some Southern Trees for the Southern States. 1895, p. 253: A variety with double flowers.

‘Pubescens’ (Redbud, American Nurseryman, J.C. Raulston, March 1, 1990): Eastern redbud with pubescence on underside of leaves. Based on Cercis canadensis var. pubescens Pursh, published in Flora Americae Septentrionalis I:308, 1814. However, this is of doubtful significance as a cultivar. Rehder notes that the variety is the type of the species.

RED FORCE®: see ‘Minrouge3’ RED FORCE®

‘Reznicek’ (https://jcra.ncsu.edu/resources/photographs/plants-results.php?serial=127219): Cercis chinensis listed without description. Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

‘Rosea’ (Redbud, American Nurseryman, J.C. Raulston, March 1, 1990): Eastern redbud listed in Hortus Third without additional information. Name not established as it does not meet the provisions of the ICNCP, Article 21.11, stating that a name that is entirely in Latin cannot be established after Jan 1, 1959.

‘Royal White’ (Arnoldia 30(6): 252. 1970. Notes from the Arnold Arboretum: Plant Registrations): This originated with the late Mr. Royal Oakes, Bluffs, Scott County, Ill. as a seedling from a native tree in Scott County, Ill. The age of the original plant is unknown, but it first flowered about 1940 and was selected before 1950. It was introduced in 1950 by the Louis Gerardi Nursery, R.F.D. 1, O’Fallon, Ill. Prof. Joseph C. McDaniel of the University of Illinois at Urbana says the plant produces abundant white flowers opening somewhat earlier in the season and slightly larger than C. canadensis alba. The plant is more compact, matures earlier, and the leaves are wider-angled at the base of the blade. Plants are cross-fertile, but incompatible to their own pollen. Although fully hardy at Urbana, Ill., the northern limit is unknown. Additional references: Manual of Woody Plants, Dirr, 5^th ed., 1998: A selection of eastern redbud with white flowers; found in the wild at Parent Bluffs, IL and selected by Dr. J.C. McDaniel, University of Illinois. Originally named ‘Royal’ (Redbud, American Nurseryman, J.C. Raulston, March 1, 1990), but not currently found in commerce or cultivation by that name. Name registered with the Arnold Arboretum on behalf of the ICRA for Unassigned Woody Genera in or before 1970.

= ‘Royal’

‘Royal’ = ‘Royal White’

‘Rubra’ (Redbud, American Nurseryman, J.C. Raulston, March 1, 1990): C. siliquastrum from England; specimen on display at Wisley Gardens. Name not established as it does not meet the provisions of the ICNCP, Article 21.11, stating that a name that is entirely in Latin cannot be established after Jan 1, 1959.

‘Ruby Falls’ (U.S. Plant Patent #22097, 2011). (Hortscience 45:146-147, 2010): Purple-leaved weeping hybrid redbud derived from and F2 population of ‘Covey’ × ‘Forest Pansy’; hybridized in 2002 and selected in 2006 by Dennis Werner and Layne Snelling at North Carolina State University; leaves are 8.8 cm long and 10.1 cm wide; upper surface of emerging leaves is deep reddish purple (N77A) and lower leaf surface is dark red (59A); mature to moderate olive green (137A); flowers strong reddish purple (78B); lateral branching superior to ‘Covey’.

‘Rubye Atkinson’ (Redbud, American Nurseryman, J.C. Raulston, March 1, 1990): Eastern redbud with pure pink flowers.

‘Sanderson’ (http://home.earthlink.net/~madronenursery/Trees/mex_redbud.html): A selection of C. canadensis var. mexicana with grey-green pubescent leaves with undulate margins. Introduced by Madrone Nursery, San Marcos, TX in 1990 and occasionally found in botanical collections. Accessed Sept 9, 2017. Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNP, Article 25).

= ‘Sanderson Selection’

‘Sanderson Selection’ = ‘Sanderson’

‘Shibamichi Red’ (National Redbud Collection – North American Plant Collections Consortium Pamphlet, JC Raulston Arboretum, March 2010): C. chinensis with deep pink-red flowers. Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

‘Shirobana’ (Redbud Resurgence, American Nurseryman, March 1, 2006): C. chinensis with white flowers; grows to 12 to 15’ tall and 6’ wide.

‘Silver Cloud’ (Arnoldia 30(6): 253. 1970. Notes from the Arnold Arboretum: Plant Registrations): Mr. Theodore R. Klein, Yellow-Dell Nursery, Crestwood, Ky. selected this plant in 1964 from a row of seedling liners originally from Tennessee. Mr. Klein writes, “The plant produces few flowers and is principally noteworthy for its decorative foliage. Most leaves on all branches are margined or splashed with silvery white variegation. Plants are less vigorous than typical C. canadensis and the branches are more slender. They seem to do best if planted in light shade and out of strong winds.” Additional references: SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993: “Eastern redbud with variegated leaves; introduced in 1964 by Yew-Dell Nursery (Crestwood, KY).” Name registered with the Arnold Arboretum on behalf of the ICRA for Unassigned Woody Genera in or before 1970.

‘Sinensis’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. siliquastrum that is more vigorous than the wild type; may no longer be in cultivation. Name not established as it does not meet the provisions of the ICNCP, Article 21.11, stating that a name that is entirely in Latin cannot be established after Jan 1, 1959.

‘Sjo’ (U.S. Plant Patent #29290, 2018): Cultivar of eastern redbud that is, according to its U.S. patent, “characterized by its flower buds that are dark pink in color and open to flowers that are a blend of light pink and white in color, its upright, slightly arching plant habit, its flowers with sepals that are light to medium reddish pink in color, and its medium-large cordate to deltoid shaped leaves that are medium green in color.” Discovered as a mutation in 2001 by Keith Westervelt and introduced by Blueville Nursery of Manhattan, KS.

= ‘Sjo’ COTTON CANDY™; ‘John Sjo’

= ‘John Sjo’

SOLAR ECLIPSE™: see ‘JN3’ SOLAR ECLIPSE™

‘Spring Snow’ (International Register of Ornamental Plant Cultivars: Woody Plants A-Z Book V, 2017): A precocious white-flowered selection of C. chinensis listed by Wairere Nursery. Registered in Open Registration of Cultivars online in 2015. Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

‘Sterilis’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): C. siliquastrum that is infertile; may no longer be in cultivation. Name not established as it does not meet the provisions of the ICNCP, Article 21.11, stating that a name that is entirely in Latin cannot be established after Jan 1, 1959.

SUMMER’S TOWER™: see ‘JN7’ SUMMER’S TOWER™

‘Tennessee Pink’ (Hidden Hollow Nursery Catalog, 2011): Hidden Hollow selection with true pink flower and vigorous growth; (Breeding Efforts in Cercis at North Carolina State University, Metropolitan Tree Improvement Alliance, May, 2002): A selection of eastern redbud with pink flowers; found and introduced by Harald Neubauer of Hidden Hollow Nursery (Belvidere, TN).

‘Texas White’ (Hortscience 45:146-147, 2010): C. canadensis var. texensis with white flowers that was released by Germany Nursery in Ft Worth, TX in the 1960s.

= ‘Oklahoma Whitebud’

THE RISING SUN™: see ‘JN2’ THE RISING SUN™

‘Tom Thumb’ (IPM for Select Deciduous Trees in Southeastern US Nursery Production. A.F. Fulcher and S.A. White, eds., 2013): An upright, spreading eastern redbud with leaves smaller than the wild type.

‘Traveller’ (U.S. Plant Patent #8640, 1994): leaves are 2 to 3.5 cm long and 2 to 3.5 cm wide; flowers purplish pink. (Breeding Efforts in Cercis at North Carolina State University, Metropolitan Tree Improvement Alliance, May, 2002): Weeping C. canadensis ssp. texensis with glossy leaves; possibly sterile and no functional pollen has been found on the plant; discovered as a seedling by Dan Hosage, Jr. of Madrone Nursery (San Marcos, TX).

‘Variegata’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): A selection of C. siliquastrum with variegated leaves; may no longer be in cultivation. Based on Cercis siliquastrum var. variegata, and established at least as early as 1884 by George Nicholson in The Garden XXV(649):348, April 26, 1884. Nicholson wrote, “The foliage of this is variously splashed and marked with creamy white; the variegation, however, does not appear to be of a very constant character.”

= ‘Variegated’

‘Variegated’ (Krüssmann, Gerd. Manual of Cultivated Broad-Leaved Trees & Shrubs I:312, 1984): Described as having green and white variegated leaves.

= ‘Variegata’

‘Vanilla Twist’ (U.S. Plant Patent #22744, 2012): grows to 2.3 m tall and 1.5 m wide after five years; leaves 13 cm long and 15 cm wide, emerge strong yellowish green (144B) and senesce yellow (153D to 7A); flowers strong reddish purple (N78B). (Pleasant Run Nursery Catalog, 2016): Weeping white-flowered eastern redbud derived from the cross ‘Royal’ × ‘Covey’; white flowers; hybridized and introduced by Tim Brotzman (Madison, OH).

‘Wavecrest’ (http://blog.plantdelights.com/redbud-love/) A purported hybrid between C. canadensis and C. chinensis with winter hardiness to -12°F. Accessed December 15, 2017. Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

‘Whitewater’ (U.S. Plant Patent #23998, 2013): Originated from F2 cross of ‘Covey’ × ‘Silver Cloud’ originally made in 1999 with additional crosses in 2005 and selection in 2007; grows to 1.27 m tall and 0.92 m wide after three years; leaves 11.5 cm long and 11.5 cm wide; upper leaf surface emerges with white sectors colored yellowish white (NN155D) and green sectors colored brilliant bluish green (128B); upper leaves mature with white sectors colored light yellowish green (150D) and green sectors dark yellowish green (139A); flowers pale purplish pink (62D). (Pleasant Run Nursery Catalog, 2016): Weeping selection of eastern redbud with variegated leaves; resulted from hybrid of ‘Covey’ × ‘Silver Cloud’ by Dennis Werner and Layne Snelling at North Carolina State University; grows 8’ tall and 6’ wide.

= ‘NC2007-8’

‘Wisconsin’ (Hatch, Laurence. The Redbuds: Varieties of the Genus Cercis. TCR Press. Raleigh, NC. Digital PDF eBook, 2010). Name not yet established because electronic publication does not meet conditions of publication (ICNCP, Article 25).

= ‘Columbus’

‘Wither’s Pink Charm’ (SNA Research Conference 38:342-345, 1993): Eastern redbud with pink flowers; found by D.D. Wither around 1930 in Virginia.