Extension Forestry

Redbud - Cercis canadensis

Redbud Tree Leaves are alternate, simple, smooth, not lobed.

In Iowa the redbud is a small tree or large shrub with coarse foliage and a spreading, open crown.  It is found over most of the eastern half of theUnited States, and in Iowa it is found mostly in the eastern and southeastern section scattered through existing woodlands.  The redbud is used widely as an ornamental because of the rose-pink flowers which appear early in the spring along the branches before the leaves appear.

The peculiarly large, broad and rounded leaves have a distinct heart shape with smooth margins.  They are glossy green and firm, turning in autumn toa bright, clear yellow.  They are palmately veined.
 

Redbud trunk The twigs are dull red to red-brown, often grayish and not shiny.  The bark is dark red- brown, roughened and breaking into rather fine, narrow ridges on older stems and trunks.

The fruit is a pod similar to a pea pod, turning deep red-brown when ripe and containing  small, rounded, flattened bean like seeds.

 
 
 

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Contact: Paul Wray

Last Update: January, 2001