Eastern Redbud

Cercis canadensis

Size: 3, 7 & 15 Gallon Availability

Tree
Max size: 30’ tall x 35’ wide
Average size: 25′ tall x 25′ wide

Usually Moist, Moist to Dry
Loam, Sand
Sun/ Part Shade
No Salt Tolerance

AKA: American Judas Tree

This deciduous tree has yellow fall colors and vibrant, showy pink flowers that bloom from late winter into spring. The fruits ripen from summer to fall, and the seed pods are edible while young. The blossoms are also edible and can be used as a salad topping, pickled, or added to drinks. If this tree needs pruning, do so in winter or summer, either before or after the blooming period. It’s early flowers attract many bees, and it is the larval host for Henry’s elfin (Callophrys henrici) and io moth (Automeris io).

Various bark infusion recipes were used by numerous tribes for treating fever, congestion, and whooping cough. The Osage taught colonizers that charcoal from the wood can be used for paint (they historically used it for face paint during battles but the charcoal can also be fun to use for natural paints/dyes/etc)