Cercis canadensis
(Redbud)
Common Name, Latin Name and Family
Its common names include Eastern redbud, spicewood, and also Judas tree which appears to be in reference to the tree seeming to blush for having been the tree upon which Judas hanged himself. [1]
The Latin name is Cercis canadensis.
It is found in the Fabaceae, pea, family.
Form
Redbud is a small deciduous tree that reaches a height of about 20 to 30 feet.
It generally has a single trunk, but can be multi-trunked as well, especially if the tree has been mowed down to the ground at any time, or eaten to the ground by deer and allowed to regrow from the roots.
Leaves
The heart shaped leaves are alternate with entire margins and are 7 – 12 cm long.
Flowers
The flowers of Eastern redbud appear in late winter, which is February and early March, in central Florida.
The flowers appear in clusters of beautiful magenta blossoms.
They are bisexual and are 10 – 12 mm in length. The flowers emerge on bare branches before the tree leafs out.
Fruit
The seed are flattened bean shaped pods that are 6 – 10 cm in length. They are bright green when immature and brown when mature.
Habitat
It occurs naturally in the shade of woodlands, mesic hammocks, and roadsides.
It can be found in riparian woodlands, but high enough from the waterline to be in well-drained soils.
Native Range
It occurs naturally in Florida from the north part of the state south to Polk County.
It grows from Canada south to Florida and west to central Texas. It is native to: AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, TN, TX, VA, and WV.
It grows in garden zones 5 – 9.
Landscape Use
In the home landscape it grows in part shade to full shade with average to moist soils.
It is an understory tree so can be grown under larger trees such as live oaks or cedars.
Eastern redbud is a beautiful addition to the landscape and is gorgeous paired with the white blooms of the dogwood tree.
Redbuds are a common site in southern lawns and landscapes, but generally go unnoticed unless in bloom in the late winter and spring.
Wildlife Use
The flowers are used by many pollinators.
The pods are browsed by deer and other mammals.
The seeds, once the pods open, are eaten by birds and squirrels.
Leafcutter bees seem especially fond of using its leaves for their nests so if you find little circles cut out of the leaves you know a leafcutter bee has been there which is a good thing because she is probably helping to pollinate your plants throughout her daily routine.
Human Use
The flowers can be eaten raw and are a beautiful addition to a green salad.
Very young pods can be eaten if cooked.
As always please experiment with wild foods and try just a tiny bit to see how you react, AND make sure you have the correct plant.
Propagation
Propagation is achieved most commonly with seeds because the cuttings are generally difficult to get going.
The seeds should be soaked in water for at least 24 hours prior to planting. Place your seeds in a heat proof container and pour boiling water over them and allow them to soak overnight. The seeds should double in size if they have absorbed enough water. Any that are still hard should be soaked longer.
Eastern redbud seeds need a period of cold stratification which can be achieved by placing them in a refrigerated space, or outside in the fall and winter, for at least two months.
Footnote
[1] Emerson, Arthur, and Clarence M. W.. Our Trees How to Know Them. J. B. Lippincott Company, 1946.