This is an exciting deciduous tree that produces copious amounts of pea-like rose-lavender flowers during the early spring season. These beautiful flowers look splendid with their heart-shaped deep apricot leaves that sport a variety of gorgeous shades during the maturing process, including shades of orange, yellow and gold. The best part about this is that all these breathtaking colors are present at the same time, which is exactly why this variety of the redbud tree is called ‘the rising sun.’

The Rising Sun redbud tree is also known by other names including ‘Judas tree’ and ‘love tree.’ It grows to an average height of 12-15 feet and spreads almost 8 feet wide. Given its average height and width, this tree makes for an excellent addition to a small landscape.

The blooming period for the Rising Sun redbud tree begins during early spring, which makes it a spectacular and a hardy spring bloomer. Its fuchsia flowers grow first along the tree branches followed by attractive gold foliage that have hints of peach and light green throughout the growing season. The tree prefers growing in average to moist soil conditions and does best in full sun to partial shade.

Redbud Tree Leaf Diseases

Redbud trees (Cercis canadensis) are susceptible to a variety of leaf diseases. Understanding which leaf diseases affect your redbud tree leaves, what symptoms to look for and how to control the disease will provide you with a method for keeping your tree vigorous and more likely to resist attack. Keep trees pruned of dead parts, thin out dense crowns and provide adequate moisture for healthy growth.

Gleosporium Fungal Disease

Gleosporium fungi attack redbud trees, causing all sizes of round or irregularly shaped leaf spots in tan, dark brown, red-brown, purple-brown or black. Spots often appear on leaf borders or follow vein paths. Gleosporium causes withering and early drop of leaves as well as twig cankers, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Apply a protective fungicide only if the tree appears to be in danger of severe illness. Contact a local extension agent to determine the proper course of action as fungicides are rarely effective in treating an existing infection; preventive spraying is advised.

Phyllosticta Fungal Disease

Causing leaf disease in redbud trees, phyllosticta fungi develop into an infection that manifests into round, angled or irregularly shaped spots in hues of gray, tan, dark brown or black in varying sizes. The spotted area may die, leaving a hole in its place and in extreme cases, leaves may turn yellow and fall. Black mushroom-like spots may also appear on the surface of leaves, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Only apply a fungicide in extremely severe cases.

Cercospora Fungal Disease

Cercospora is a fungus that infects redbud trees, causing leaf disease. Recognizable through the symptom of leaf spot, round or angled gray to brown spots of varying sizes with a dark border form on the surface of leaves. Redbud leaves may become completely brown and leaf drop may occur, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Only apply a fungicide in extremely severe cases.

Verticillium Wilt Fungal Diseas