Eastern redbuds (Cercis canadensis) are one of my favorite signs of spring. This small tree is native to the eastern United States. It’s early lavender to pink flowers bloom before the heart-shaped leaves emerge. This tree is naturally found as an understory tree in mixed forests, and prefers moist, well-drained soil but it is adaptable to a range of soil conditions. It’s small size, maturing at a height and spread of 15-20 feet, makes it easy to fit in a suburban yard.
Aside from their obvious beauty, redbuds have other benefits in the yard. The spring flowers provide nectar for bees. Once pollinated, the flowers produce bean-like pods that provide a food source for birds. Redbuds are members of the family Fabaceae, the same family that beans and peas belong too, and can fix their own nitrogen from the soil.
Several varieties have been selected for a range of flower and foliage colors. C. canadensis var. ‘alba’ has white flowers while other cultivars range from pale pink to dark lavender-red. “Merlot” and “Forest Pansy” were selected for their dark purple-red foliage while “Rising Sun” has pale yellow foliage in early spring. Foliage color may vary depending on the amount of sun that the plant receives.
If you are looking to add a small tree to your yard or property, consider an eastern redbud.
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