Cercis canadensis Flame Thrower® 'NC2016-2'

Flame Thrower® is a cultivar of the native redbud tree in the bean (Fabaceae) family created by Dennis J. Werner of North Carolina State University. It is a cross of two cultivars, 'The Rising Sun (non-weeping, gold-leaf) and NC2006-14 (weeping, purple leaf). The selected offspring was given the cultivar name 'NC2016-2' and marketed as Flame Thrower®.

Flame Thrower shows a slight pendant growth habit but is classified as non-weeping. Leaves show a dynamic transition of color change from the time of leaf emergence and throughout the growing season. Leaves emerge purple and quickly turn to red as they expand. As an individual leaf matures, it transitions from purple to red to reddish-bronze and ultimately yellow-green. Because all leaves are in different stages of development at any particular point in time, the tree displays a dynamic mix of colors, especially during stages of active growth. Maximal variable leaf color is expressed early to mid-season, and declines as summer temperatures increase after mid-July. Flowers are abundant, appearing in clusters in spring before leaf-out. The tree will grow 15 to 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide.

Redbuds will grow in full sun to part shade, are pH tolerant and do well in moist average well-draining soils. Use as a specimen, accent or understory tree. Great for small yards. Redbuds in general do not transplant well so choose your site carefully.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Insect pests include leafhoppers, caterpillars, borers, Japanese beetles, treehoppers, scale, and webworms. Possible diseases include canker, dieback, leaf spots, verticillium wilt, blights, and mildew. It can be a short-lived tree, typically living less than 75 years.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.