Eastern Redbud
Latin name: Cercis canadensis
Etymology: The genus name Cercis comes from the Greek word kerkis, meaning ‘weaver's shuttle’, referring to the resemblance of the seed pod to a weaver's shuttle which is used to move thread back and forth on a loom. The species name canadensis refers to part of the species’ native range.
Family: Fabaceae (Peas)
Origin: Eastern North America
Native habitats: Forest edges, ridges or ledges, woodlands.
Description: Eastern Redbuds have a height of between 40-50 feet and a diameter of 10-12 inches. Leaves are smoothly heart-shaped, hairless or slightly hairy beneath. They are alternately placed, measure between 2-6 inches and turn yellow in the fall. The bark is dark and smooth when young but will turn scaly when older. Twigs are hairless. Flowers are showy pink, red or purple in color and appear in clusters right on new stems or older branches before the leaves, between March and May. Fruits are dry, flat, oblong seed pods measuring 1-3 inches in length and can be found between July and August or longer.
Similar species: No other species is likely to be confused with Eastern Redbud.
Uses: While Eastern Redwood wood is heavy and hard, it is not strong and has little commercial value. The bark can be used as an astringent in the treatment of dysentery while flowers can be eaten in salads or fried. Native Americans used to boil the bark to make tea for the treatment of whooping cough, and roots and inner bark were used for fevers, congestion, and vomiting.
Wildlife Value: The flowers provide an important early source of nectar for pollinators while the seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals. The Eastern redbud is also a host plant for several moths and butterflies.
