Habitat: 
This tree prefers
a habitat along rivers and streams, growing as an understory tree, or along
the edges of woods. Being very adaptable, it will grow well in full sun
or light shade and tolerates a variety of soils, except those that remain
permanently wet. Redbuds grow along the banks of a lake at a State Park
in southern Iowa.
Diseases: Although less frequently attacked by pests and diseases than many other ornamental trees, the eastern redbud is susceptible to several fungal cankers, leaf spot and wilt, and is sometimes attacked by treehoppers, caterpillars and scale.
Distribution:The eastern redbud's native range is from New Jersey to northern Florida and west to Missouri, Texas and northern Mexico. More often seen in cultivation than in the wild in Iowa, this species is, however, native across southern and central Iowa. Young trees obtained from parent stock growing successfully further north are most likely to survive here.
