Trees

Cercis canadensis 'NC2016-2'

Flame Thrower redbud

Flame Thrower redbud. Photo: Shuvaev / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Flame Thrower produces an unusually varied canopy as burgundy-red young leaves mature through yellow into green. Several colors can appear together along one branch, carrying the display well beyond the pink spring flowers. This NC State introduction works especially well as a small specimen tree viewed at close range.

At a glance

Sun: Full sun
Size: Height: 15–20 ft · Width: 15 ft
Water: Regular watering until established
Hardiness: USDA 5–9
Bloom: Pink, spring

Sizes & prices

#7Flamethrower Redbud$249.99

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
Form: Upright, spreading
Major issues: Canker, dieback, Verticillium wilt and borers can affect stressed redbuds; avoid root disturbance.
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: Burgundy young leaves mature through yellow to green

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

Star Roses and Plants

NC State Extension

University of Minnesota Extension

Rutgers Cooperative Extension

The Morton Arboretum

horticulture.mgcafe.uky.edu

Photo: Shuvaev / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0; resized for web. · CC BY 4.0

Image notes: Flame Thrower redbud. Photo: Shuvaev / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0; resized for web.

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