Redbud Trees
The redbud trees I known as the Cercis Canadensis or the eastern redbud. It is a large deciduous shrub which looks like a small tree. It grows to around 6-9 metres tall. It normally has a short, twisted trunk and branches which spread. The bark of the redbud tree normal has a dark color, smooth to the touch but later on it gets scaly with ridges all over it. The twigs are slender and zigzag. The leaves are alternate to each other with a heart shape.
The flowers of the redbud are pinkish in color, and they usually appear in clusters during the spring to summer. Pollination of these flowers is mostly done by bees which go to suck nectar from the flowers.
In some of the parts where the redbud grows, the green twigs of the eastern redbud are commonly used for seasoning of wild game such as venison and opossum. Due to this, the areas where the eastern redbud is found is known as the Spicewood tree.
What makes the redbud so special is its color during the spring and its strong adaptability. This little tree which as we have seen grows up to 30 feet tall, bears showy pink flowers during the early spring, the flowers lasting two to three weeks. The leaves also emerge with a reddish color giving way to an amazing green and a fall yellow. During the winter, this little tree still manages to remain as beautiful as ever with its arching limbs and rounded crown. Its size makes it fit in both the forest setting and the home setting.
Common species of the Redbud
- The Eastern redbud is commonly found in the eastern woodlands. It grows to 35 feet tall and it is slightly widespread. It is mostly common for its divided trunks, graceful and rounded crown with pink flowers.
- The California redbud is a small shrub-like tree with barely reaches 20 feet tall. It is commonly known for its red-purple flowers and smaller leaves than those found on other redbuds.
- The Western Redbud is also another common species of the redbud.
The redbud is a tree which is far valued for its beauty than its small size might suggest. It was first discovered by the early settlers who used it as an additive to their salads. They also used the bark to treat common ailments to great ones like leukemia. The Native Americans also used its wood to make bows and arrows since they are quite strong in addition to the fact that they can bend without breaking easily. After using it for medicinal and edible purposes, they then started discovering its beauty, and before long, humankind began planting it as a domestic tree. It is commonly used as a screen protector from neighbors and even the wind. It can be planted as a hedge and be pruned from time to time in order to achieve a certain height and shape. It does not require a lot of care after it has established itself. A little spraying and adding fertilizer normally do the trick.
