Have you noticed the stunning Eastern Redbud in bloom? The bright magenta pink buds are among the earliest to bloom, announcing the arrival of spring.
Fun facts about the Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis):
· Flowers provide early spring nectar for native bees and honeybees including bumblebees, mason bees, long-horned bees, mining bees, and sweat bees.
· Support biodiversity and are host plants for the larvae of butterflies and moths, such as the Henry’s Elfin.
· They are versatile and they can grow as understory trees in full shade as well as in full sun and many soil types.
· They are in Legume family and flowers and young seed pods are edible.
· Native Americans used medicinally to treat dysentery and whooping cough.
· Flowers occur directly on the bark and tree branches, making the Redbud “cauliflorous.” “Cauliflory” is Latin for “stem flower.”
· If you look closely, the little pink flowers look like hummingbirds!
The next time you see an Eastern Redbud, stop and savor the beauty and ecological richness of this remarkable tree.
Reprint from Capital Nature