38 Chokecherry - sorry, initially mis-identified as Redbud : info to be corrected
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38 Redbud QR
Basic Information about this tree
  • Scientific Name: Cercis canadensis

  • Common Names:Redbud,  Eastern Redbud, American Judas Tree, Mexican Redbud, Texas Redbud, Canadian Redbud, Flowering Judas

  • Native: Native to Central & Southern USA; Cultivated MN Strain is winter-hardy

  • Deciduous

  • Flower Details: Monoecious, flowers have both female and mail parts in the same flower. This spring flower is pea-like, reddish-pink hues, on older wood, before foliage breaks out.

  • Typical Pollination Mechanism: Can only be pollinated by long-tongued bees which are highly attracted to these trees, according to some references

  • Location of the tree you are viewingGPS Longitude 92.90324 Latitude 45.00328

  • Branch Structure: Twigs are slender, dark with small, rounded buds. it is a smaller tree with a nearly flat or rounded crown that is often found growing beneath taller trees; multi-stemmed.

  • Typical height and width at maturity: 20-30 ft tall by 25-35 ft wide

  • Typical longevity: 50-75 years.

  • Soil, water, sunlight preferences:  Will grow as an understory shrub, partial shade to full sun; does not tolerate excessively wet or dry soils; 

  • Growth habit of roots: Redbud develops a deep taproot that descends rapidly the first few years if the soil permits. Initial growth depends on soil moisture and the absence of a tight clay subsoil. If impenetrable subsoils are present the taproot grows horizontally.

Mature Tree in Spring/ Summer

38 Redbud in summer

Leaves in Summer / Fall

The leaves are alternate, simple, and heart shaped with an entire margin, 7–12 cm (3–4.5 in) long and wide, thin and papery, and may be slightly hairy below.

38 Redbud one leaf

Flowers -

Spring flower is pea-like, reddish-pink hues, appearing on older wood, before foliage breaks out.

Fruit Unripe / Ripe

The fruit is like a bean pod with several seeds, which forms as a pale green structure and then ripens to a light brown.

Bark of Mature Tree / younger tree

Uses in Traditional and Modern Eras

Value for wildlife: The plant holds great wildlife value as a larval host plant and the bean pod fruits provide food for songbirds.  The flowers provide nectar for bees, and once pollinated, form leguminous pods. The seed may be consumed by birds. Members of the genus Cercis support the specialized bee Habropoda laboriosa.

Utility for Humans: Prized for early-Spring blooms, it has been planted in public parks and home gardens across America.  Works well with dogwood trees, witch hazel and snowberry plants. The flowers can be eaten fresh or fried. In some parts of southern Appalachia, green twigs from the eastern redbud are used as seasoning for wild game such as venison and opossum. Because of this practice, in these mountain areas the eastern redbud is sometimes known as the spicewood tree. Analysis of nutritional components in edible parts of eastern redbud reported that the flower extract contains anthocyanins, green developing seeds contained proanthocyanidin, and linolenic, α-linolenic, oleic and palmitic acids are present in seeds.

Traditional uses in Native American Tree Medicine (historical): Native Americans consume redbud flowers raw or boiled, and eat roasted seeds.  The Alabama, Cherokee, Delaware, Kiowa, and Oklahoma tribes, among others, used redbud bark for various medicinal purposes, including as a treatment to whooping cough.  (ref: https://campustrees.umn.edu/eastern-redbud)

Homeowner’s CornerPlant this tree as a specimen in a pollinator garden, as an understory tree in a wooded landscape, in small groups, or mass planted for a dramatic springtime effect. It may also be planted as a street or lawn tree but is very sensitive to herbicides and chemicals sprayed on lawns. Reputedly Japanese beetle resistant. It does not tolerate heat or drought that can stress the tree, or wet soils. It does not tolerate root disturbance, so plants should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible and should be kept well-watered until established.

Insect pests include leafhoppers, caterpillars, borers, treehoppers, scale, and webworms. Possible diseases include canker, dieback, leaf spots, verticillium wilt, blights, and mildew.   It can be a short-lived plant, typically living less than 75 years. 

Links & References

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