Trees

Cercis canadensis 'Alley Cat'

Alley Cat redbud

Eastern redbud species spring flowers and buds, not an identified ‘Alley Cat’ tree. Does not show this cultivar’s variegated foliage. Photo: Judy Gallagher / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0

White splashes across green leaves give Alley Cat a bright, mottled canopy through the growing season. Dark pink spring flowers appear before the young copper-pink foliage expands. The variegation develops as leaves mature, creating a distinctive specimen that combines spring bloom with sustained summer foliage interest.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun to partial shade
Size: Height: 20 ft · Width: 20 ft
Water: Moist, well-drained soil
Hardiness: USDA 5
Bloom: Dark pink, spring

Sizes & prices

#10Flame Thrower Redbud, purple leaves, bright violet flowers$169.99

Catalog updated September 8, 2026. This is not a live stock count; please call to confirm availability and price.

Ask about this plant

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Landscape use & tree form

Use: Ornamental specimen; Understory planting
Major issues: Canker, dieback, Verticillium wilt and borers can affect stressed redbuds; avoid root disturbance.
Form: Rounded, spreading
Growth rate: Species: moderate; compact and weeping cultivars differ in extension growth.
Fruit / litter: Species-type brown pods may persist and drop; production varies by selection and pollination.

Resistance & tolerances

Deer: Browsing can be significant despite some resistance reports; protect young trees.
Drought: Parent-species guidance: Drought can stress plants; irrigate through dry periods.
Wet soil: Parent-species guidance: Avoid waterlogged soil.

Resistance is not a guarantee; deer and rabbits may browse any plant.

Pollinators & wildlife

Attracts: Bees, Butterflies
Caterpillar host: Caterpillars
Evidence: Species-level guidance; cultivar habitat value varies.

Native range

Native range / parentage: Cultivar/selection of a species native to eastern and central North America. Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.
Tristate native status: Cultivated selection of a Kentucky-native species; not wild local stock.

Seasonal interest

Foliage: White-splashed green leaves; new growth copper-pink

Growing & care

Site: Water well during establishment. Avoid root disturbance and remove dead branches.
Pruning: Maintain sound branch attachments while young; remove dead wood and weak crossing branches. Preserve a weeping cultivar's trained leader and remove shoots below any graft.
Soil: Moist, well-drained; brief dry periods tolerated

Sources & photo credits

Pleasant Run Nursery

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Rutgers Cooperative Extension

The Morton Arboretum

horticulture.mgcafe.uky.edu

Photo: Photo: Judy Gallagher / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0. Resized and converted to WebP. · CC BY 2.0

Image notes: Eastern redbud species spring flowers and buds, not an identified ‘Alley Cat’ tree. Does not show this cultivar’s variegated foliage. Photo: Judy Gallagher / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0; resized and converted to WebP.

Reviewed September 22, 2026. Growing conditions vary by location.