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Eastern Redbud Eastern redbud is a native, deciduous, small tree or shrub ranging in height from 15 to 40 feet (average 20-25 feet). Another common name given to the redbud is “Judas Tree”, according to biblical history, Judas hung himself from a branch of this tree. Cervis is a temperate genus with 6 species extending south into northeast Mexico. Eastern redbud is the Oklahoma state tree and a sure sign of warmer days to come in when the pink, red-purple flowers begin to emerge in early spring. Eastern redbud occurs in the open or as an understory tree; common along the edge of woods, stream bottoms and lower slopes in a variety of habitats. It commonly occurs with flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). The range of eastern redbud extends from New Jersey and Pennsylvania west to southern Michigan and southeastern Nebraska; south to eastern Texas; and east to central Florida. Cercis Canadensis var. texensis occurs from southern Oklahoma south to eastern, southern, and Trans-Pecos Texas; extreme southeastern New Mexico; and northern Mexico.
Description: Thornless tree or shrub with simple, single heart shaped leafs, opening after the flowers have bloomed in early spring. Flowers are purple-red in clusters of 2-6 and bloom in March to April. The fruit is a flat, thin-walled legume (pod) 1.5 to 3.9 inches long and 0.32 to 0.72 inches wide, with several hard, shiny seeds. The trunk is usually straight, branching about 5 to 9 feet above the ground. The crown is flat to rounded. The root system of eastern redbud is long and coarse with a relatively small number of fine feeder roots near the surface. Ethnobotany: It is sometimes a valuable source of nectar for honey production. The flowers may be picked for use in salads or fried (a common practice in Mexico). The seedpods can be stir fried like snow peas. An astringent fluid extract from redbud bark has been used in treating dysentery . Horticulture: Eastern redbud is a popular ornamental and is listed among trees useful for xeriscaping (landscaping for minimal water use). Redbuds have been in cultivation since 1641 and do best in Zones 4-9. Redbuds require very little maintenance and is very drought resistant once established. Horticulturists have cultivated additional varieties that produce white flowers and even different leaf colors. Wildlife Value: Eastern redbud flowers provide nectar to numerous insect species. Redbud seeds are eaten by quail, pheasants and other a variety of other song birds. White-tailed deer also eat the seeds as will as browse on young trees and branches. Jeff Sparks (Natural Resources Coordinator) Last Update: |
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