The tree was discovered in the Arbuckle Mountains of Oklahoma, growing naturally in the well-drained soils as an understory tree. Due to its thicker leaves, it will thrive in full sun. The flowers are a deeper reddish purple and are followed by glossy foliage in the spring. Redbud 'Oklahoma' is an especially nice landscape tree because of its smaller compact size. An added plus is the thick glossy foliage which seems to be more tolerant of wind tattering and insects. Bark: The bark is dark brown usually with orange inner bark peeking through. It is thin and easily damaged by mechanical impact such as weed eaters. Foliage: Leaves are a heart shape with a leathery texture 3 - 5 inches long and wide, with a dark, almost pine-green color, turning a showy yellow-green to yellow color in the fall. The stems are thicker and more rigid than most species. Flowers: Spectacular rosey-magenta flowers bloom in masses of tiny florets along the zigzagging stems before any of the leaves appear in the spring. This means the blooms are unhidden by foliage, becoming striking and highly valued by gardeners for the flowering ornamental uses in the landscape. Fruit: The fruit or seeds grow inside pods along the stems 2 - 3 inches long to 1/2 inch wide. These pods look like the pods of a pea. The pods are flat with straight edges, and the round light colored 1/4 inch seeds are visible under the skin of the pod. Then the seedpods mature in color from a green to a purple color in Ocotber and persist into the winter. This fruit is showy and does not pose a litter problem from the pods.
| Tree ID Number: | 695 |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name: | Cercis canadensis ssp. texensis ‘Oklahoma’ |
| Mature Height: | 15 - 25ft |
| Canopy Spread (Diameter): | 15 - 25ft |
| Branching Shape: | Compact, broad-rounded. |
| Growth Rate: | Fast growth rate |
| Wood Strength: | Soft wood |
| Cold Hardiness Zone: | 6-9 |
| Soil Moisture Requirements: | Moist |
| Light Requirements: | Sun, Part or Dappled Shade |
| Common Pests: | Canker, leaf spots, verticillium wilt, tree hoppers, caterpillars, scales, leaf hoppers and root rot. |
| Comments: | Commercial, ornamental value |
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