Redbud

1. Redbud Cercis Canadensis By: Daniel Hughes

2. Classification http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CECA4

3. Shape, Form, Type http://blisstree.com/files/2007/07/redbud2.jpg http://www.treehelp.com/trees/redbud/index.asp • The Redbud tree is a small tree, in comparison with other trees, with outstretching branches and a thin short trunk. This tree is a poplar ornamental tree. It flowers very early. Figure 1: Redbud Tree

4. Bark • The bark of the Redbud Tree is a smooth dark gray/brown color. The bark furrows with age. http://forestry.about.com/od/forestphotogalleries/ig/Dormant-Winter-Tree-Gallery/Redbud-Bark.htm http://forestry.about.com/od/forestphotogalleries/ig/Dormant-Winter-Tree-Gallery/Redbud-Bark.htm Figure 2: Bark of Redbud Tree

5. Twig http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/trees/hgic1021.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cercis_canadensis • The branches are spreading. The twigs are slender and they will zigzag. The twigs are almost black and are spotted with lighter lenticels Figure 3: Twigs of Redbud Tree

6. Leaf http://www.oplin.org/tree/fact%20pages/redbud/redbud.html • The Redbud Tree has broad, flat and simple leaves. They are not lobed and contain smooth margins • The leaves alternate and are heart-shaped. http://www.landscape-america.com/landscapes/trees/eastern_redbud.html Figure 4: Leaf of Redbud Tree

7. Bud http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/trees/hgic1021.html • The bud of the Redbud Tree is a magenta color, but once the bud blooms and becomes a flower, the color changes to a pink. http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/trees/hgic1021.html Figure 5: Bud of Redbud Tree

8. Flower http://www.redbudtree.org/ www.redbudtree.org • Its flowers appear during the spring time and are light to vibrant pink in color and the flowers are almost a half inch long. The flowers of the Redbud tree appear in clusters on bare stems. Sometimes, the flowers even appear on the trunk itself. Figure 6: Flower of Redbud

9. Fruit http://z.about.com/d/forestry/1/0/H/i/redbud_fruit.jpg http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/trees/hgic1021.html • The fruit are long, flat pods and are 3 inches in length. They are produced from late summer into fall, and they will remain on the tree during winter. They become noticeable in the fall when the leaves drop, and to some people are unsightly when mature. Figure 7: Fruit of Redbud tree

10. Habitat and Range http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/trees/hgic1021.html • The redbud tree does well in most types of soil, but it prefers moist and well-drained areas. But if they are permanently wet, the tree does not do well. It tolerates acid or alkaline soils. Although it enjoys full sun, it prefers some shade when it’s very hot. Although it will grow in fairly dense shade, the more sun it has, the more it will bloom. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CECA4 Figure 8: Range Map of Redbud tree

11. Uses http://media.photobucket.com/image/red%20bud%20tree/elitemidwest/redbud3.jpg http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/plants/landscape/trees/hgic1021.html • This tree is mostly used for its showy flower. It is an ornamental tree that people can place in their yard or garden to make it look nicer. Figure 9: Beauty of Redbud tree

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