Redbuds are actually members of the pea family, although they don’t look much like peas. They can grow up to 30 feet tall, have a spreading, umbrella shape that may extend to 25 or 30 feet wide.. Redbuds produce a cloud of pink flowers in the spring. The flowers appear to “explode” from the tree. In mid-summer, green seedpods (resembling pea pods) appear, turning brown in late summer. Green, heart-shaped leaves turn yellow in the fall.
Deciduous Tree
The trees are deciduous. Although they lose their leaves during the cold season, zig-zag branches and interesting maroon-purple bark make the plant an interesting addition to a winter garden.
It is an “understory” tree. Found naturally in wooded areas, along streams and bluffs and at the edges of meadows, redbud trees do well in partial or full shade.
Redbuds (genus Cercis) representing a number of difference species are found throughout the world, but in North America, only two species are native.
Eastern Redbud
Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is found in most of North America, but particularly in the east. Several varieties have evolved from the Eastern Redbud, most notably the Texas redbud (Cercis canadensis texensis) and Mexican redbud (Cercis canadensis mexicana).
Eastern redbud is the largest of Cercis canadensis varieties. It requires more water than the others and has larger leaves.
Other Redbud Species and Varieties
Texas redbud, ranging from Oklahoma to south Texas is smaller, with smaller leaves. The seedpods also tend to be redder.
The Mexican redbud is the smallest and most shrubby variety, and occurs naturally in west Texas and in Mexico.
California (or Western) redbud (Cercis orbulata) can be found in the Grand Canyon and many other regions in northern Arizona, in southern California in Utah, and in other areas of the western North America.
Redbud flowers are edible with a vaguely sour taste. High in vitamin C, they are used in salads and breads. The young pods may be eaten raw or cooked.
Redbuds grow easily from seeds planted in the fall. Harvest the seeds when they turn brown and begin to dry out but before weevil damage can occur. Also over seed when planting to compensate for non-viable seeds. Seedlings which have sprouted around an adult tree may also be transplanted easily.
The flowers of all the redbuds are fragrant. Birds seek the tree for cover and to eat the seeds.
For more articles on redbuds, see:
Eastern Redbud Trees in Landscapes
Spring Birding Devil's Den State Park, Arkansas
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