Lower Risk

Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud, American Judas Tree)

This deciduous tree is native to the south-eastern United States and northern Mexico. Eastern Redbud has attractive heart-shaped leaves, and pretty red-pink flowers in spring. Despite being in ornamental trade in Australia since 1851, the species has not naturalised. There is also no evidence Eastern Redbud is invasive outside its native range. In North America, plants may reach reproductive maturity in 5 years. Reproduction is via seed, which is released when the pods split open. The seeds exhibit dormancy and have a hard seed coat which requires scarification to stimulate germination. The seeds are dispersed by animals (mainly birds) and wind.