ExploreTree

Redbud Tree

Cercis canadensis

The Redbud Tree is known for its bright pink flowers that bloom in spring. It's a cheerful sight in gardens!

Habitat: Gardens and parks

Appearance

The Redbud Tree has striking clusters of vibrant pink-purple flowers that bloom directly from its bare branches and trunk in early spring, before its distinctive heart-shaped leaves appear. Its leaves emerge reddish, maturing to green, and it produces flat, brown seed pods.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderFabalesFamilyFabaceaeGenusCercis

Redbud Tree

Interesting facts

Early colonists boiled Redbud bark to make a powerful dye for wool, giving it a vibrant reddish color!

Its stunning pink-purple flowers amazingly sprout right from the bark of its trunk and branches!

Redbud flowers were traditionally eaten by Native Americans for their tangy, citrus-like taste!

The heart-shaped leaves of the Redbud begin reddish-purple, then magically turn green for summer!

Special abilities

Redbud Tree can grow flowers directly from its old wood (cauliflory), which helps it attract early spring pollinators.

Redbud Tree has early-blooming, nectar-rich flowers that provide a vital food source for bees when other plants are dormant.

Redbud Tree has tangy, edible flowers that can be safely eaten, adding unique flavor to human and animal diets.

Measurements & details

Height: 4.5-9 m
Canopy Spread: 4.5-9 m
Is Edible: Yes
Trunk Diameter: 15-30 cm
Lifespan: 20-30 years
Fruit Type: Legume pod
Growth Rate: Medium
Leaf Type: Deciduous

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honeybee

Apis mellifera

They collect nectar from Redbud flowers in early spring.

eaten by

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

They eat the seeds found within Redbud's flat pods.

eaten by

Eastern Gray Squirrel

Sciurus carolinensis

Squirrels also feast on the protein-rich seeds from the pods.

shelters

American Robin

Turdus migratorius

Robins build their nests in the branches, safe from predators.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Ornamental

These lovely plants are grown simply because they are so beautiful to look at, adding splashes of color and interesting shapes to any garden or landscape.

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Broadleaf Tree

Discover magnificent trees that have wide, flat leaves, unlike the needles of pine trees! These are often the trees that change colors beautifully in autumn.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!