What’s Coming Up In The Garden, 2: Eastern Redbud

I’m stretching it a bit, as many of our redbuds were here before we were, but I have planted several to replace a couple that died over the past few years. They are early pollinator plants for bees and other insects and we love their fuchsia color.

This is my take on an older redbud residing in Poplar Folly, very close to the apiary:

They are all over our farm, mostly in the front edges of forested areas. While many in our larger area are further along, ours are just budding out.

After the blooms are done, the leaves on the redbud are gorgeous heart-shapes that make me smile every time I notice them. A huge benefit as we deal with COVID-19.

More info:

Makin, Julie 

Cercis canadensis

Cercis canadensis L.

Eastern Redbud, Redbud

Fabaceae (Pea Family)

Synonym(s): 

USDA Symbol: ceca4

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

Tree with short trunk, rounded crown of spreading branches, and pink flowers that cover the twigs in spring. Redbud is a 15-30 ft. treewith one to several picturesque, maroon-purple trunks and a wide, umbrella-like crown. Its pink flowers, borne in tight clusters along the stems and branches before new leaves appear, create a showy spring display. Smooth, heart-shaped, deciduous foliage does not have significant fall color. Trees from the southern part of the species’ range have smaller, glossier leaves and often a more compact form. Stunning tiny pink flower clusters cover the entire tree.