(Cercis canadensis)
The Pea Family (Fabaceae)
A small tree with a flat topped or rounded crown, often multi-stemmed with zigzagged, horizontal branching. The leaves are heart shaped, alternately arranged and deciduous.
Habitat:
Well drained upland areas.
Interesting Facts:
Flowers and flower buds can be added to salads, breads and pancakes. They have a slightly sour taste and are high in vitamin C. Young pods may be eaten raw, boiled or sautéed.
Fruit:
2-4” long flattened brown seed pod found in clusters.
Flower:
Reddish purple buds; rosy pink pea-like flowers in clusters in early spring before leaves emerge.
Wildlife value:
Birds eat the seed and white-tailed deer eat the foliage. Native bees are attracted to the flowers and leafcutter bees sometime use the foliage for nesting materials.
Flowers
Fruit
Leaf type:
Simple
Pollinator:
Wildlife value:
Tree dimensions:
Leaf length: 3.00-5.00 inches
Tree height: 20.00-30.00 feet
Where to find Eastern Redbud on the Louisiana State Arboretum Trails:
PAW - Pawpaw Loop Trail 4.0
Refer to our Live Map to locate this species and its interpretative signage on the trail system.