Photo Credit: Robert Perry
Introduction
The Eastern Redbud tree is one of the first trees to flower in early spring here in Kentucky. Roadsides along interstates will explode will purple and pinkish flowers greeting travelers on there way.
Source for information: Identifying Kentucky's Forest Trees FOR-1 (University of Kentucky)
Soil/Site: Prefers forest understories and old fields in medium to well drained soils.
Value: Fruit good for wildlife, attractive ornamental tree, as a legume it adds nitrogen to soils and enriches the site
Twigs: dark reddish purple to dark brown; smooth; zigzagged, Shiny with light lenticels.
Flowers: 1/2 (1.3 cm) long; rose-pink; clusters of stalks on branches. Flowers in early spring. Flowers are also edible.
Bark: dark gray to brown; smooth; becoming scaly with age. Inner bark is orange.
Leaves:
Size - 3" to 5" (7.5 to 12.5 cm) long, 3" to 5" (7.5 to 12.5 cm) wide.
Arrangement: alternate; simple
Margin (edge): entire
Lobes: None
Shape: Heart-Shaped
Surface: dark green, smooth above, paler smooth below
coloration: Green, Yellow in autumn
Fruit: 2" (5.1 cm) long; green turning blackish; flat, bean like seeds in pods. Fruits in late autumn.
A picture of an illustration from the source book
Warning: You are responsible for anything you consume or put in or on your body. Do your own research and use common sense. Allergic reactions can happen. Drakes Landing Kentucky is not responsible for any choices you make. This website and article is for educational purposes only.
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