Eastern redbud and Rowan are often considered for the same spot in the garden (specimen, flowers, pollinator friendly). The data below shows where they differ: size, hardiness, care, toxicity and price.
Cercis canadensis 3.5 m × 3 m after 10 years
Eastern redbud is a small, often multi-stemmed ornamental tree: in spring, before the leaves, rosy pink to purple pea flowers cover the bare…
Sorbus aucuparia 5 m × 3 m after 10 years
A slender small tree with an open crown that offers white flower clusters in spring, orange-red berry bunches from late summer and yellow to reddish…
Rowan is hardier: down to -40 °C, against -29 °C for Eastern redbud.
Eastern redbud is non-toxic to children, Rowan is not.
Rowan is cheaper: about €7.30 at the size usually planted, against about €80 for Eastern redbud.
|
Feature
|
Eastern redbud
|
Rowan
|
|---|---|---|
| Group | Small tree | Small tree |
| Size after 10 years | 3.5 m × 3 m | 5 m × 3 m |
| Ultimate size | 4–9 m × 4–9 m | 6–15 m × 2.5–8 m |
| Growth rate | Medium | Medium |
| Light | Full sun, Part shade | Full sun, Part shade |
| Soil | Average garden soil, Clay, Sandy, Calcareous, Acidic | Average garden soil, Acidic, Sandy |
| Hardiness | down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7) | down to -40 °C (USDA 3, RHS H7) |
| Foliage | Deciduous | Deciduous |
| Flowering | April–May, pink, purple | May–June, white |
| Water need | Medium | Medium |
| Drought tolerance | Low | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | Medium |
| Planting distance | 400 cm | 500 cm |
| For dogs | Non-toxic (uncertain) | Mildly toxic (uncertain) |
| For cats | Non-toxic (uncertain) | no data |
| For children | Non-toxic | Mildly toxic |
| Typical price | approx. €80 | approx. €7.30 |
Prices are rounded, indicative values. Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor. Data updated: October 13, 2026
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