Redbud

Cercis Canadensis

By: Daniel Hughes

Classification

Kingdom PlantaeSubkingdom TracheobiontaSuperdivision SpermatophytaDivision MagnoliophytaClass MagnoliopsidaSubclass RosidaeOrder Fabales

Family Fabaceae

Genus Cercis

Species Cercis canadensis

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CECA4

Shape, Form, Type

• The Redbud tree is a small tree, in comparison with other trees, with outstretching branches and a thin short trunk. This tree is a poplar ornamental tree. It flowers very early.

Figure 1: Redbud Tree

http://blisstree.com/files/2007/07/redbud2.jpg

Bark

• The bark of the Redbud Tree is a smooth dark gray/brown color. The bark furrows with age.

http://forestry.about.com/od/forestphotogalleries/ig/Dormant-Winter-Tree-Gallery/Redbud-Bark.htm

Figure 2: Bark of Redbud Tree

Twig

• The branches are spreading. The twigs are slender and they will zigzag. The twigs are almost black and are spotted with lighter lenticels

Figure 3: Twigs of Redbud Tree

Leaf

• The Redbud Tree has broad, flat and simple leaves. They are not lobed and contain smooth margins

• The leaves alternate and are heart-shaped.

Figure 4: Leaf of Redbud Tree

http://www.landscape-america.com/landscapes/trees/eastern_redbud.html

Bud

• The bud of the Redbud Tree is a magenta color, but once the bud blooms and becomes a flower, the color changes to a pink.

Figure 5: Bud of Redbud Tree

Flower

• Its flowers appear during the spring time and are light to vibrant pink in color and the flowers are almost a half inch long. The flowers of the Redbud tree appear in clusters on bare stems. Sometimes, the flowers even appear on the trunk itself.

www.redbudtree.org

Figure 6: Flower of Redbud

Fruit

• The fruit are long, flat pods and are 3 inches in length. They are produced from late summer into fall, and they will remain on the tree during winter. They become noticeable in the fall when the leaves drop, and to some people are unsightly when mature. Figure 7: Fruit of Redbud tree

http://z.about.com/d/forestry/1/0/H/i/redbud_fruit.jpg

Habitat and Range• The redbud tree does well in

most types of soil, but it prefers moist and well-drained areas. But if they are permanently wet, the tree does not do well. It tolerates acid or alkaline soils. Although it enjoys full sun, it prefers some shade when it’s very hot. Although it will grow in fairly dense shade, the more sun it has, the more it will bloom. Figure 8: Range Map of Redbud tree

Uses

• This tree is mostly used

for its showy flower. It is an ornamental tree that people can place in their yard or garden to make it look nicer.

Figure 9: Beauty of Redbud tree

Text References

Picture References

The End