Cercis Black Pearl Redbud
Best compact native tree for gardeners seeking year-round visual interest.
The Cercis Black Pearl™ Redbud is a captivating native tree offering year-round interest. Its heart-shaped, deep maroon foliage provides striking color throughout the summer, transitioning to a lovely chartreuse yellow in the fall. In early spring, before leaves emerge, it bursts with an abundance of showy, lavender-pink flowers on its bare branches. This compact, upright variety is well-suited for various garden settings and is known for its resistance to black walnut toxicity, making it an environmentally friendly choice that also supports local wildlife.
$71.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
312
/ 1208
#312 in Trees
Price vs Category Average
-33%
Below average
SKU
29154
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-contrast, dramatic foliage color
- Homeowners wanting vibrant early-season floral displays
- Urban dwellers with limited yard or patio space
Who should skip it
- Impatient planters looking for rapid, low-maintenance establishment
- Gardeners with heavily shaded or woodland landscapes
- Owners unable to provide well-draining soil conditions
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Deep maroon foliage provides a dramatic contrast in any landscape design.
Seasonal Versatility
Delivers consistent aesthetic appeal from spring blooms through autumn color shifts.
Ecological Value
Supports local pollinators while offering a native, wildlife-friendly habitat.
Site Adaptability
Thrives in diverse soil types and tolerates black walnut toxicity well.
Maintenance Ease
Requires moderate care once established, making it manageable for most gardeners.
Spatial Efficiency
Compact, upright habit fits perfectly into smaller residential garden footprints.
Key Specs
SKU
29154
Genus
Cercis
Species
canadensis
Variety
'JN16'
Item Form
2-Gallon
Mature Height
20 Feet
Mature Width
25 Feet
Hardiness Zones
5 - 9
Features
- Striking dark foliage holds color all summer.
- Abundant lavender-pink spring blooms.
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
- Attractive chartreuse yellow fall color.
- Compact, upright, and branching habit.
- Native plant, easy to care for.
- Resistant to black walnut toxicity.
- Provides multi-season visual interest.
What customers say
Consumers consistently celebrate the exceptional design of the Black Pearl Redbud, particularly its striking, deep purple black foliage. Quality is a major theme, with many reviewers noting the robust health and size of the plant material upon arrival. This cultivar establishes quickly and reliably, often exceeding expectations for a specialty tree. The intense, dark color provides a dramatic landscape focal point, confirming its high aesthetic value and making it a highly recommended purchase for garden enthusiasts.
Know before you buy
This variety reaches a mature height of approximately 20 feet with a width of 25 feet. Its compact, upright habit makes it a manageable choice for many residential landscapes.
Yes. The Black Pearl Redbud is specifically noted for its resistance to juglone, the toxin produced by black walnut trees that inhibits the growth of many other plants.
It performs best in full sun to partial shade. Providing at least six hours of sunlight daily will help ensure the best foliage color and flower production.
Yes, the Cercis canadensis is a native North American species. It is well-adapted to local environments and serves as a valuable resource for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
Yes, it offers multi-season interest. The leaves emerge as deep maroon in the spring, hold that dark color throughout the summer, and transition to a bright chartreuse yellow in the fall.
This tree is quite adaptable and thrives in clay, loam, or sandy soils. The most important factor is ensuring the planting site has well-drained soil to prevent root issues.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$72