With cousins in Europe and Asia, the Eastern Redbud (Cercis Canadensis) is native to North America and Canada. As far back as 1571, the Spaniards took notice of Redbuds and made distinctions between the New World species and their Mediterranean cousins. Approximately 2 centuries later, having spent many hours in his garden transplanting seedlings obtained from the nearby forest, George Washington composed multiple diary entries about the beauty of the tree. First cultivated in 1811, the Eastern Redbud proffers spectacular, bright, rosy-pink flowers in April, with colorful, year 'round foliage to follow. That is, emerging springtime leaves present in a rich shade of reddish/purplish brown; in summertime they change to dark green; when fall arrives, the Redbud's heart-shaped leaves turn yellow. This flowering tree eventually produces shiny reddish-brown pods that are 2"-3" long. These "fruit" remain on the tree until spring, providing winter food for birds, including Northern bobwhite & some songbirds such as chickadees. The Redbud's seedpods can be used for nesting material & the tree's limbs can also function as nesting sites, providing shelter for birds and mammals. The Redbud is an excellent, under-story tree for planting near utility lines; it also provides good shade & attractive ambiance when planted near patios. Found in zones 4 to 9 in North America, this ornamental tree grows in a wide range of soils including acidic, alkaline, loamy, moist, rich, sandy, well drained & clay. The beloved Eastern Redbud forms a spreading, graceful crown. It thrives in full sun to light shade, but it prefers partial shade in windy, dry areas. With its rounded, vase-like shape, the Eastern Redbud grows at a medium rate; it reaches heights of 20' to 30' at full maturity and its crown eventually spreads to 30' in diameter. The official state tree of Oklahoma, this well-known beauty queen of North America deserves our heartfelt admiration, indeed! Long Live the Gorgeous Eastern Redbud!
This color coordinated collection of fashion fabrics was first featured in our Vogue Fabrics By Mail Spring 2011 catalog of swatches. Subscribe to receive home delivery of these catalogs every other month.
