Redbud Tree

Description

The Redbud Tree, Cercis canadensis, is a beloved American native tree. The pink flowers are a sure sign of springs arrival. The Redbud has been a favorite yard tree for generations, it’s small stature and tolerance of shade has given it a useful place in beautiful landscapes.

The Redbud Tree is in the Pea family. It is a legume and does fix nitrogen from the air. The pink pealike flowers open at a good time for honeybees and their blooming marks the beginning of the spring honey flow. Honeybees love the flowers and work them with great enthusiasm.

The Redbud Tree is an understory tree. It, like other trees will produce more flowers with more sunlight but, it will thrive with less direct sun than most trees. It is a good option where large, mature trees are already established. It matures at 30′ tall and up to 30′ wide and has a broad vase shaped profile.It is hardy in zones 4 to 9.  It often grows as a multi trunked tree or with low upward branching. The leaves are heart shaped and often emerge with a red tinge that fades to green over time. The texture of the trees appearance is medium. The flowers yield a bean like seed pod that can linger through the winter.

Redbud Tree bark is smooth when young but, becomes coarse and shaggy as the tree ages. The bark is considered attractive and give the tree winter interest. The twigs are narrow and grow in a distinctive zigzag  pattern. The wood itself is brittle. Sapwood is a yellowish white and heartwood is a golden brown. The wood does not have any commercial use.

The Redbud Tree is a great choice for an attractive bee friendly yard tree. It combines size, form, summer texture and a beautiful spring bloom into a tree that fits any yard or landscape