Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Fabales>Fabaceae>Cercis canadensis L. var. canadensis
Eastern Redbud is a fairly common understory tree with large cordate (heart-shaped) alternate leaves. In North Carolina, Eastern Redbud is primarily found in the Mountain and Piedmont regions. Orange Co., NC 5/16/09. |
The twigs tend to grow in a zigzag pattern. | |
In early spring, redbuds produce masses of pink flowers. Chapel Hill, NC 4/11/04. | |
Occasionally flower masses emerge directly from the trunk. Chapel Hill, NC 4/11/04. | |
On rare trees, flowers are pale pink or even white. | |
Flat fruit pods develop soon after the flowers drop. These dry pods turn brown when ripe. Granville Co., NC 4/29/07. | |
Bark of a young tree. | |
Trunks are often forked. | |
Bark of a medium-sized tree. |
More information:
Silvics Manual
Trees of Alabama and the Southeast
Virginia Tech Dendrology
All photographs and text ©2009 by Will Cook unless otherwise indicated.