California redbud, Western redbud
Cercis occidentalis
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A small tree or large shrub. It grows 4.5 m high. The leaves are leathery and rounded. The leaves are bluish green and paler underneath. The flowers are rose pink and in clusters. The fruit are pods 7.5 cm long.
There are about 6 Cercis species. Also as Caesalpinaceae.
Where it is found
Temperate. It will grow in most soils. It suits hardiness zones 5-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, North America (country/location of origin), USA
How it is used for food
The roasted pods and seeds are eaten. The flowers are used in salads. The buds are pickled like capers.
Edible parts
Flowers, seeds, seeds pod
How it is grown
It can be grown by seeds. Seed need treatment to break the hard seed coat.