Cercis canadensis
Eastern Redbud, Judas Tree

Mature Height: 20-50'     Longevity: 90 years

2-7 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

5-9 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
2: Species drought tolerance identified as between moderate & high. Silvics Manual says tree can be found on Xeric sites. Other sources also indicate drought & heat tolerance.

7: No flood tolerance is identified, but is listed in several sources as being present on stream borders.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z5. (SOUTH) solid Z9 w/ intrusions into FL & Mexico.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: Same as NAS although southern range in Mexico is not included in map.

1   Sun Strength

6   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
1.8 = very slow
0 = not pioneer
-.2 = 1 Major & 1 Minor
-.2 = Sensitive
0 = No
-.3 = 30'
-.2 = 50'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
7 = Tolerant
+.3 = Climax capable
-.2 = 1 Major & 1 Minor
-.2 = Sensitive
0 = No
-.2 = 30'
-.5 = 90 years

TOTAL SCORE (0.9): Slow growing & small tree that generally prefers understory conditions. Not competitive in open sunny conditions.

TOTAL SCORE (6.2): Although concensus shade tolerant tree; short lifespan, limited soil distribution & fragile nature reduce shade strength. Occurs within many forest types but rarely in significant numbers. Diminutive size & very short life means not competitive w/ other climax trees.

1   Fire Strength

5   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: Small Tree = 1
Fire Effects (FEIS) database indicates that the tree is easily top-killed by fire but resprouts abundantly after fire which may be cause of more favorable discussioin within FEIS about trees fire tolerance. Since tree grows so small and is mature for only a short period of life (slow growth & short life), rating Fire Value at lowest level.
Final Value = 1

DEFENSE
Base Score: Small Tree = 4-5
Tree is very small, wood is identified as hard & taproot is deep. Appears very windfirm.
Final Value = 5