Cercis canadensis var. mexicana
Cercis canadensis L. var. mexicana (Rose) M. Hopkins
Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Synonym(s): Cercis canadensis ssp. mexicana
USDA Symbol: cecam
Mexican redbud is smaller in stature, has smaller, glossier, and more wavy-edged leaves, and is more drought tolerant than Texas redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis).
From the Image Gallery
Plant CharacteristicsDuration: Perennial
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Cordate , Reniform
Leaf Venation: Palmate
Leaf Pubescence: Tomentose
Leaf Margin: Entire
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Size Notes: 10-15 ft normally, but can reach 25 ft and grow much taller than that in northeastern Mexico
Leaf: silvery green
Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower: Flowers 1/2 inch long
Fruit: Green or brown or red, 2-4 inches
Size Class: 6-12 ft. , 12-36 ft.
Bloom InformationBloom Color: Pink , Purple
Bloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr
Native Distribution: Texas west of the Pecos River south into Nuevo Leon in northeastern Mexico
Native Habitat: Hilly and mountainous areas, usually in calcareous soils
Growing ConditionsWater Use: Low , Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil pH: Alkaline (pH>7.2)
Drought Tolerance: High
Cold Tolerant: yes
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Calcareous, limestone-based sands, loams, clays, often rocky
Conditions Comments: One of three Cercis canadensis varieties naturally occurring in Texas, the Mexican redbud is shorter and more compact in Texas than the others and is more likely to have multiple trunks. The leaves tend to be darker, smaller, and slightly ruffled along the margins. South into northeastern Mexico it reaches greater heights than it does in Texas. Like other redbuds, Mexican redbud is stunning in bloom.
BenefitUse Ornamental: Blooms ornamental, Attractive, Understory tree, Accent tree or shrub
Use Wildlife: Browse, Nectar-bees, Nectar-butterflies, Nectar-moths, Seeds-granivorous birds.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Larval Host: Henrys Elfin butterfly
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: Moderate
Value to Beneficial InsectsSpecial Value to Native Bees
Special Value to Bumble Bees
Provides Nesting Materials/Structure for Native Bees
This information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Learn more at BAMONA
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Native plants for butterfly garden in Waco, TX
February 03, 2008
Few weeks ago I sent you a letter but never got an answer back. I would like to have your suggestions of native plants for a butterfly garden (30'x 30') here in Waco. The plants must be (1)drought ...
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From the National Suppliers DirectoryAccording to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:
Wrights Nursery - Briggs, TX
From the National Organizations DirectoryAccording to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:
Native Plant Society of Texas - Fredericksburg, TX
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
NPSOT - Williamson County Chapter - Georgetown, TX
BibliographyBibref 1186 - Field Guide to Moths of Eastern North America (2005) Covell, C.V., Jr.
Bibref 298 - Field Guide to Texas Trees (1999) Simpson, B.J.
Bibref 1185 - Field Guide to Western Butterflies (Peterson Field Guides) (1999) Opler, P.A. and A.B. Wright
Bibref 355 - Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest (1991) Miller, G. O.
Bibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Bibref 291 - Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender
Bibref 297 - Trees of Central Texas (1984) Vines, Robert A.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resourcesUSDA: Find Cercis canadensis var. mexicana in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Cercis canadensis var. mexicana in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Cercis canadensis var. mexicana
MetadataRecord Modified: 2015-11-12
Research By: TWC Staff