Identifying characteristics:
An exceptionally showy native tree, the redbud is a low-branching, often
no more than shrub-sized tree with a picturesque silhouette. The 2- to 5-inch-long
leaves are, unlike most legumes,
simple-not compound. The leaves are alternate, broadly heart-shaped with
1- to 2-inch-long petioles and have a papery texture and entire margins.
The petiole has a conspicuous swelling near the leaf base and 5 to 9 radiating
veins fan out across the leaf surface. The leaf color usually changes from
a dark, lustrous green to a light yellow-green in the fall. The flowers, appearing in April or May before
many trees have leafed out, are pea-like and produced in rosy-pink clusters
along the older branches and the trunk. Trees begin flowering at 4 to 6
years of age and each year remain showy for 2 to 3 weeks. The fruit is a flattened, brown pod 2 to 3.5 inches
long, often produced in hanging clusters and containing 10 to 12 shiny,
hard, round, flat seeds which mature in October. The pods are not edible
or fleshy and often persist on the tree through winter. The leaf tiny buds
are two-scaled, whereas the larger flower buds have 6 or more scales. Terminal
buds are absent. The leaf scars are half-round and raised, each with 3 bundle
scars. The bark is smooth and gray
with reddish streaks, becoming reddish-brown and scaly with age.
Ecology:
Distribution: The eastern redbud's native range is from New Jersey
to northern Florida and west to Missouri, Texas and northern Mexico. More
often seen in cultivation than in the wild in Iowa, this species is, however,
native across southern and central Iowa. Young trees obtained from parent
stock growing successfully further north are most likely to survive here.
Habitat: This tree prefers a habitat along rivers and streams, growing as an understory tree, or along the edges of woods. Being very adaptable, it will grow well in full sun or light shade and tolerates a variety of soils, except those that remain permanently wet. Although less frequently attacked by pests and diseases than many other ornamental trees, the eastern redbud is susceptible to several fungal cankers, leaf spot and wilt, and is sometimes attacked by treehoppers, caterpillars, scale and leafhoppers.
Uses:
Horticulture: This tree is ideal for woodland planting in a naturalized
setting. Single specimens and group plantings create impressive spring color
as the flowers are not easily damaged by winds. Selections of this species
include: a white-flowered cultivar, 'alba'; 'Forest Pansy', with purple
leaves but not hardy below -10 degrees F; and 'Silver Cloud', a variegated,
less floriferous cultivar. The tree is sometimes called the "Judas
tree"-a name more appropriate to the species native to southern Europe
and western Asia (Cercis siliquastrum). Legend has it that Judas
Iscariot hanged himself from a redbud tree causing the tree to blush with
embarrassment, turning the normally white flowers to pink.
