Eastern Redbud Tree Information
The deciduous eastern redbud tree is also simply known as the redbud, or the Judas tree. It is a member of the bean family (Fabaceae), with alternate heart-shaped leaves making it the only member of the bean family with simple leaves. First cultivated in 1811, the eastern redbud is native to the entire eastern half of the United States with the exception of New England. Does this Spark an idea?
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Description
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Rounded in shape, the eastern redbud tree has rosy pink flowers that appear in April. The leaves are a reddish-purple, changing to dark green and then to yellow. The fruit is a 2- to 3-inch-long pod, brownish-black in color, which is characteristic of the bean family. When mature, the redbud tree has a spread of about 30 feet, with a height ranging from 20 to 30 feet.
Function
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Extensively planted as an ornamental tree, the eastern redbud is grown throughout the eastern United States. Not known to be vulnerable to disease and insects, maintenance of the redbud tree is relatively low. When flowering, the redbud makes an attractive shrub or tree. The tree is often used in landscaping to provide shade around the patio.
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Features
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According to the Western North Carolina Nature Center website, flowers from the eastern redbud tree are considered important in the production of honeybees. The seeds of the tree provide winter food for the northern bobwhite, some songbirds, white-tailed deer and gray squirrels. The tree provides nesting sites and nesting materials, as well as shelter for mammals and birds. Additionally, the bark has been used medicinally, as an astringent for the treatment of dysentery.
Significance
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Growth of the eastern redbud tree is rapid with prolific flowers, if the tree grows in full sun with sufficient moisture during the summer. Valued as an ornamental tree, the redbud will flower before leaves appear on other trees. For best results, the soil should be organic, well-drained and moist. However, the tree can adapt to acidic and alkaline soils as long as the soil is not wet.
Considerations
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The life of the eastern redbud tree is about 20 years. The tree may decline earlier in urban environments due to poorly draining soils. Wet soils create serious pathogens that affect the roots. The eastern redbud grows naturally in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9, but will also grow in zone 4.
Fun Fact
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The eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is the state tree of Oklahoma. It was officially designated in 1937.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit redbud branch image by Carbonbrain from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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is that yor real name?
