Maryland Native Trees for Spring: Cercis canadensis – Eastern Redbud
Spring Blooming Trees
Cercis canadensis – Eastern Redbud
Cercis canadensis, also known as eastern redbud is a deciduous, multi-trunked understory tree that displays brilliant clusters of rose-pink flowers on bare branches in early spring, before the foliage emerges. Flowers are followed by bean-like dry seedpods, which can remain on the tree into winter. Pale yellow to greenish-yellow fall color. It’s size and multi-season interest make it a great option for a lawn specimen or street tree. Note: while this tree can tolerate full sun, it does appreciate some afternoon shade, and does best in part shade conditions. It is often found on edges of forests.
Eastern redbud is a host plant for 24 species of lepidoptera, including the white flannel moth, Henry’s elfin butterfly, and three specialist moths whose whose only host plant is the eastern redbud. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and many species of native bees, such as long-tongued and leaf cutters also visit the flowers of this tree. The seeds are eaten by finches, juncos, nuthatches, cardinals, rose-breasted grosbeaks, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and squirrels.
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