Cercis chinensis
Chinese Redbud
a perennial woody deciduous member of the Cercis genus in the family Leguminosae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Leguminosae
- Genus
- Cercis
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- deciduous
- Woodiness
- woody
- Growth rate
- slow
- Height
- 15 m
- Fertility
- Bees
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Although no records of edibility have been seen for the seed, on a zero moisture basis it contains 16.6% protein, 9.2% fat and 2.8% ash[10]. There are no edible uses listed for Cercis chinensis.
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Treats bladder diseases, post-partum discharges, bleeding piles and internal parasites[4]. The wood and the bark have been used to treat abscesses, bladder ailments and head troubles[7].
- Product or use
- Anthelmintic
- Product or use
- Diuretic
- Product or use
- Women's complaints
Ecology and functions
- Ecosystem niche
- Canopy, Secondary canopy
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - China
- Habitat
- Woodland and clearings, 600 - 1200 metres in W. Hupeh[1].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 6+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[6]. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water then cold stratify for 3 months[3]. Sow spring in the greenhouse[8]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Plants resent root disturbance and are best planted out in their permanent positions as soon as possible[2]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[6].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Succeeds in most soils and pH types, but dislikes growing in wet soils, especially when these are of clay[6]. Prefers a deep damp sandy loam and a very sunny position[2][5]. Dislikes drought[6]. Repays generous treatment[2]. Although the dormant plant is cold-hardy, the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K]. This species does not flower very freely in Britain. Plants do not thrive at Kew, they prefer a hotter climate[2]. The flowers are produced on the branches of the previous or earlier years, and also on the trunk of the plant[9]. Plants are susceptible to coral spot fungus, especially in areas with cooler summers where the wood is not fully ripened[2]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[6]. Resents root disturbance, plants should be planted into their permanent positions as soon as possible, preferably in May, and should be kept well watered until established[2]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[6].
References
Wilson. E. H. Plantae Wilsonae.
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0942375009
Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00
Sargent. C. S. Manual of the Trees of N. America. Dover Publications Inc. New York. 1965-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20278-X
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)