# 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! - **Category:** [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/tree) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 99 - **Habitat:** Gardens and parks - **Also known as:** Cercis, Eastern Redbud, Judás Tree ![Redbud Tree](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426410/objects/4854.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Fabales - **Family:** Fabaceae - **Genus:** Cercis ## 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 - **Trunk Blooms:** Redbud Tree can grow flowers directly from its old wood (cauliflory), which helps it attract early spring pollinators. - **Early Pollinator Feast:** Redbud Tree has early-blooming, nectar-rich flowers that provide a vital food source for bees when other plants are dormant. - **Edible Delight:** 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 - **Spread:** 4.5-9 m - **Edible:** Yes - **Size:** 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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-cardinal) (*Cardinalis cardinalis*) — They eat the seeds found within Redbud's flat pods. - **Eaten by:** [Eastern Gray Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-gray-squirrel) (*Sciurus carolinensis*) — Squirrels also feast on the protein-rich seeds from the pods. - **Shelter:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — Robins build their nests in the branches, safe from predators. ## Traits - [Deciduous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deciduous): Deciduous plants periodically shed all their leaves, typically during autumn or dry seasons. - [Ornamental](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ornamental): Ornamental plants are cultivated primarily for their aesthetic appeal, enhancing landscapes and gardens with their attractive foliage, flowers, or form. - [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spring-blooming): Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth. - [Broadleaf Tree](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/broadleaf-tree): Broadleaf trees are angiosperms characterized by flat, wide leaves that are typically shed annually in temperate climates. - [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense. - [Rapid Growing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/rapid-growing): Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Trees](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/trees) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Redbud Tree? Compare leaves or needles, how they attach to the twig, buds, bark and the shape of the crown. Lobed leaves are useful clues, but several unrelated trees share a similar outline. Tree Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is Redbud Tree? 4.5-9 m ### How wide does Redbud Tree spread? 4.5-9 m ### Is Redbud Tree edible? Yes ### How big is Redbud Tree? 15-30 cm ### How long does Redbud Tree live? 20-30 years ### Where is Redbud Tree usually found? Gardens and parks ### What kind of fruit does Redbud Tree produce? Legume pod ## Where to spot - [American Baptist College](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/american-baptist-college) — Tennessee, US · Campus - [Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arrowmont-school-of-arts-and-crafts) — Tennessee, US · Campus - [Black Hawk State Historic Site](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/black-hawk-state-historic-site) — Illinois, US · Park - [Blackhand Gorge State Nature Preserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/blackhand-gorge-state-nature-preserve) — Ohio, US · Nature Reserve - [Bullock County Courthouse Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bullock-county-courthouse-historic-district) — Alabama, US · Historic District - [Cedarmere-Clayton Estates](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cedarmere-clayton-estates) — New York, US · Historic District [View all places to see Redbud Tree](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/redbud-tree) ## More Trees - [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) - [Sessile Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sessile-oak) (*Quercus petraea*) - [Northern Red Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/northern-red-oak) (*Quercus rubra*) - [White Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-oak) (*Quercus alba*) --- Source: [Redbud Tree: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/redbud-tree)