NAME:
COMMON – Redbud
BOTANICAL – Cercis canadensis
FAMILY – Fabacaea

DERIVATION:
Native to eastern North America except for coastal areas, it is found throughout the east and in northern Mexico and parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas

GROWTH CHARACTERISTICS:
A small deciduous tree with a maximum height 20 to 30 feet with graceful branches and a rounded shape; early spring blooms are magenta in color and appear on bare branches before the heart-shaped leaves come out. Fruit is in the form of oblong legumes with seeds that stay on the tree into the winter. 

GROWTH LOCATION:
Full sun or partial shade preferably in moist well-drained deep soil. Mature trees are drought-tolerant. 

ATTRIBUTES, VALUE, UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS:
As an ornamental, the tree is a harbinger of spring. Pollinated by bees, the fruit, or legumes, are scattered by birds and wind. The legumes bear tiny seeds which provides food for birds. Leaves provide food for caterpillars and moths. Flowers are edible and twigs were used for seasoning by Native Americans. 

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