Grow on old twigs, branches, and the trunk. Irregular, pea flower-shaped, and 3-4.5" long.
Fall Color:
Yellow
Foliage Characteristics:
Simple, alternate, cordate, leaves start light green and darken over time. 4" long.
Fruit Characteristics:
Clusters of green pods turn brown once they mature. Each contains 4-10 black or brown seeds. 3.5" long.
Structure:
Mature: vase
Range:
Central to E US; Mexico
Habitat:
forest understory in moist woods, riparian, in revines, on bluffs, open rocky woods, abandoned farmland
Description:
One of the first trees to bloom in the spring, eastern redbud is known for its many pink pea flower-like blossoms. The flowers bloom on the tree’s bare branches before the leaves appear, creating the image of branches entirely covered in pink flowers. Some Native Americans used this tree for food, medicinally, and to beautify the home.
Eastern redbud is Endangered in New Jersey, and of Special Concern in Connecticut.
Hardiness:
-30 - 20 F
Attracts:
Butterflies
Bloom Time:
March to May
Ethnobotanical Uses:
Some Native Americans would bring blooming redbud branches into the home to "drive winter out." Children would eat the blossoms, which could be eaten raw or fried.
Medicinal / Pharmaceutical:
The Alabama, Cherokee, Delaware, Kiowa, and Oklahoma are some of the Native American tribes who used redbud bark in various preparations to treat whooping cough, vomiting, and fever.