Flame Thrower™ Redbud

Botanical Name: Cercis canadensis ‘Flame Thrower’

Common Name: Flame Thrower Redbud

Mature Height and Width:
15–20' tall × 15–18' wide

Growth Habit: Upright-rounded small ornamental tree with single to multi-trunk structure and layered branching. Canopy moderately dense with balanced crown development and visible trunk architecture. Moderate growth rate.

Foliage Description: Heart-shaped foliage displaying sequential color progression beginning burgundy-purple, transitioning through red, orange, yellow, and maturing to green. Leaves present layered multi-season color effect within canopy. Moderate canopy density with smooth leaf texture.

Flower Description: Rosy lavender-pink pea-like flowers borne along stems and branches prior to leaf emergence. Bloom density moderate with classic redbud trunk and branch flowering pattern.

Bloom Time: Early spring before foliage emergence.

Fall Color: Yellow to muted bronze tones.

Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade; best color progression achieved in full sun.

Hardiness Zone: USDA Zones 5–9

Notable Landscape Uses: Specimen ornamental tree; lawn accent; courtyard focal; patio tree; collector specimen; foundation feature planting.

Deer Resistance: Moderate
Young growth may experience browsing.

Structural Identity for Flame Thrower Redbud

To differentiate clearly from:

Carolina Sweetheart → variegated foliage pattern
Forest Pansy → solid burgundy foliage
Rising Sun → yellow-apricot foliage progression
Eastern Redbud species → g