Cercis occidentalis
Cercis occidentalis
- Native to:
- United States | CA, OR
iNaturalist: © connieruth (iNaturalist #233034905)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Cercis
- Species:
- Cercis occidentalis
Growth Characteristics
- Growth Habit:
- Tree , Shrub
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, magenta
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Io moth (Automeris io)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Xylocopa sonorina, Xylocopa tabaniformis, Yellow-faced bumble (Bombus vosnesenskii) Moths:Oedemasia Packard
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, butterflies, bees
- Fall Color:
- yellow
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from root crown after fire; seeds also benefit from fire scarification in some populations.
Source: deepseek-v4-flash
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.
Source: deepseek-v4-flash