Cercis Canadensis: The Eastern Redbud

Cercis Canadensis, more commonly known as the Eastern Redbud trees, first made an appearance in the natural forests of the eastern United States. The tree was "discovered" and categorized by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. Hailed for its spectacular springtime display of deep pink or purple blossoms, the Eastern Redbud has since gone on to become a landscaping staple, brightening up gardens across North America and beyond with its vibrant display of colors and heart-shaped leaves. The Eastern Redbud is a member of the Fabaceae family and can be found flourishing across its native region, from the Atlantic coast to the Midwest and from southernmost Canada to northernmost Mexico. For the most part, these trees prefer well-drained soils and are most abundant in the understory in forests and hedgerows. The tree grows to approximately 20 to 30 feet in height, but its most distinguishing characteristics are the beautifully formed, spreading branches that exhibit heart-shaped leaves. This dense network of branches creates an umbrella of pink blossoms —a showstopping sight when in full bloom from March to May. After the tree's flowers fade, they're replaced by dark green leaves that create an umbrella of shade, making for a lovely and functional addition to any garden or parkland. The Eastern Redbud also produces elongated seedpods, which house the seeds of the next generation of trees. These seedpods are flat and are generally about 2 to 3 inches in length, initially green and turning a brownish-black upon maturity. An often overlooked detail about the Eastern Redbud is that its flowers are edible. They can be eaten in salads or can be pickled and can make for a somewhat surprising and certainly exquisitely colorful culinary addition. The tree, with its perfect harmony of beauty, utility, and sustainability, is a testament to nature’s genius.