SelecTree

A Tree Selection Guide

ROYAL WHITE

Cercis canadensis 'Alba'

FAMILY Fabaceae

SYNONYMS

ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES

WHITE EASTERN REDBUD

See: all Cercis
Photo locations: Morton Arboretum - Lisle, IL and Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO
by J. Reimer, C. Stubler

GENERAL INFO

Cercis canadensis 'Alba' is a unique cultivar distinguished by its pure white flowers, offering a striking contrast to the more commonly seen purple or pink blooms of other redbud cultivars. These elegant white blossoms appear in early spring, often before the leaves emerge. Like other cultivars and varieties of Cercis canadensis, 'Alba' is a small, multi-stemmed tree or shrub that brings seasonal interest and ornamental value to gardens and landscapes. Native to eastern and central North America, it thrives in well-drained soils with partial sun and is well suited for naturalized settings or woodland gardens. As with others in the species, it does not transplant well and should be planted when young and left undisturbed to establish successfully.
Native range: Eastern United StatesHorticultural use: Screen

TREE CHARACTERISTICS

Tree Shape: RoundedFoliage Type: DeciduousMaximum Tree Height: 40 feetCanopy Width: 25-35 feetGrowth Rate: ~24 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: OvalLeaf color: GreenFall Color: YesFlowers: ShowyFlower Color: WhiteFlower Time: SpringFruit: Large Brown, Purple or Mostly Green LegumeFruiting time: SummerBark Color: Black, Dark Brown or Red Brown, ScalyLitter Type: Dry Fruit

SITE CONDITIONS

Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Water Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 1 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Very Acidic to Very AlkalineSalt Tolerance: Moderate

CONSIDERATIONS

Branch Strength: MediumRoot Damage Potential: LowPotential health issues: AllergyWildlife interactions: Attracts birdsDisease and Pest susceptibility: Anthracnose, Crown Rot, Armillaria, Phytophthora, Root Rot and CaterpillarsDisease Resistance and Pest Resistance: Gypsy MothGypsy MothUtility Friendly: No

External Resources

KewThe Wood Database

CITE THIS TREE

"SelecTree. UFEI. "Cercis canadensis 'Alba' Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jul 14, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/313 >

Search Trees By Name

Trees can be searched by their common or scientific name.

No warranties or guarantees as to the accuracy of the data and information derived from this web site are expressed or implied. The California Polytechnic State University and the Cal Poly Corporation shall not be responsible for any loss of profit, indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of the use of the data and information derived from this web site.