Eastern Redbud

picture of an eastern redbud
Basic Information
Tree ID: 
136
Family: 
Legume
Genus and species: 
Cercis canadensis
Description: 
The eastern redbud is a deciduous tree with a central leader and round/oval form. Its leaves are alternate, simple, heart-shaped, and range from 3-5 inches high and wide. The leaves take on an alternate form, and have entire margins. The apices are emarginate. The bases are cordate. This tree sits outside the Murray gate facing Sachem St and the food carts. 13.1 units DBH
Surveyors: 
Xiao, Drew
Location
Area: 
Prospect and Sachem
Collected Data
Tree shape: 
flat-topped vase shape
Date of tree entry: 
02/15/2022
Height: 
7.30 m
Diameter at breast height: 
0.13 m

Bark
The bark of the eastern redbud is brown-grey. It is initially smooth and brown when the tree is young, but then becomes more ridged and scaly with age.
Twigs & branches
There are many branches that ascend upward and outward, creating the rounded form of the tree. The branches on the eastern redbud are actually quite weak. Branch bark is brown and grey, with leaves and flowers growing from the branches.
Foilage
There is no foliage on the tree. However, the flowers as usually red/pink when they do grow.
Reproductive Structures
The flowers have not bloomed, but seem to be white.
Fruit
No fruit can be found at the moment.
Seasons
  • Tree during the winter
  • Tree in early spring
  • Tree in late spring
Research
Natural range of distribution: 
Habitat: 
The eastern redbud tree can live in a variety of conditions, making it a very strong, sturdy plant. It can handle dry Texas weather and wet Florida weather and can survive in the very cold northeast all the way down to the hot southern states of Florida, Texas, Lousiana, and others ("Eastern Redbud"). This tree thrives in slightly damp soils whose pH is greater than 7.5. Interestingly, these species are often found on outcrops of limestone, where they outcompete less hardy plants for space and nutrients.
Origin, history, and uses: 

The eastern redbud’s place as an ornamental is cemented by its natural beauty, but that isn’t all that it is good for.  The leaves of the tree may be thrown in salads, and its bark has even been used to treat certain ailments (Redbud). Wildlife love eating the flowers and seeds of this tree, especially deer, squirrels, and birds.

References: 

Eastern Redbud. Cercis canadensis L. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://www.srs.fs.usda.gov/pubs/misc/ag_654/volume_2/cercis/canadensis.htm

Redbud. Redbud-National Tree Candidate. (n.d.). Retrieved April 12, 2022, from https://www.arborday.org/programs/nationaltree/redbud.cfm#:~:text=The%20…

 
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