Redbud, Eastern ‘Forest Pansy’

The Eastern Redbud typically reaches heights between 20 and 30 feet with spreads between 25 and 35 feet. For best growth, the tree should be planted in moist, well-drained, alkaline soil with plenty of sun. The crown of the tree varies between flat-topped and rounded, but almost every tree is multi-trunk. While this tree grows fast, it is short lived and usually begins to decline in health after 20 years.

The alternate, simple LEAVES are 3-5” long and wide. Each leaf is heart shaped and has 5-9 prominent radiating veins from the petiole. The petiole swells a little bit right before the leaf. The leaves are green, with the underside being a bit paler than the top. In the fall there is usually no color change before the leaves drop, although some times the leaves may turn yellow.

During March or April, perfect, reddish purple FLOWERS are borne in clusters of 4-8 on the outermost twigs. The flowers are usually in bloom for 2-3 weeks and when they open up they appear to be a rosy pink with purplish tint. During the winter the floral buds are dark brown and do not turn pink until they begin to open up (which occurs before the leaves appear).

The FRUIT from the Eastern Redbud comes in the form of a brown-blackish pod. Each pod is 2-3” long and is green before it ripens. Inside the pod are 4-10 small, dark brown/black SEEDS. The flat, elliptical shaped seeds are around 1/4” long. The fruit stays on the tree even after the foliage has dropped.

The BARK starts off smooth when the tree is young but develops furrows as it matures. Maroon patches and an orange color in the cracks are often common traits of the TRUNK. The ascending BRANCHES spread out making the tree look very graceful. The TWIGS are zigzag.

The flowers from the Eastern Redbud are eatable and can be put in salads (some have also just fried and eaten them). Animals also use the tree as a source of food.