Page 47 - A Field Guide to Fairfax County's Plants and Wildlife

tern Redbud

(Cercis canadensis)

Description

Eastern Redbud is a small

tree that grows up to

4.5 to 9 meters in height

and 6 to 25 centimeters

in diameter. The leaves

are alternate and heart-

shaped. The bright pink

to purple flowers appear

before the trees leafs

out and are among the

first flowers to appear in

the spring. The fruits are

oblong and flattened, 5

to 10 centimeters long

and resemble pea pods.

These pods can often be seen on

the tree throughout winter. Native Americans used Redbud bark

to make medicines to treat whooping

Distribution and Habitat cough and other illnesses.

Eastern Redbud is found in the

Piedmont, Blue Ridge, Valley and

Ridge and Appalachian Plateau

provinces. Trees usually grow in woodland understories and along forest

edges. Redbuds thrive in rich alkaline soils in partial shade. They are also

widely planted as ornamentals due to their lovely springtime flowers and

heart-shaped leaves.

Role in Food Web

The seeds are eaten by some birds (including Bobwhite Quail, pheasants and
American Goldfinches) and White-tailed Deer.

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