The leaves of Cercis canadensis are heart-shaped and alternate along the branches. They are medium green in colour and turn yellow in the fall, adding another dimension of seasonal interest to the tree. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, developing an interesting texture as the tree matures.

Eastern redbuds generally grow to a height of 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 feet) and have a spread of about the same distance. They have a rounded or vase-shaped crown, creating an attractive silhouette in the landscape. The tree’s overall form is usually compact and multistemmed.