Redbud, Judas tree, Eastern redbud
Cercis canadensis

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A deciduous shrub or small tree. It grows 10 m tall. It is a broadly spreading tree. The bark is dark grey-brown to black. The leaves are rounded and 10 cm long by 12 cm wide. They are heart shaped at the base. They are bronze when young and become bright green and smooth. Sometimes they turn yellow in the autumn. The flowers are pea-like. The are 1 cm long and pink. They occur in clusters on old shoots. They can also be on the main trunk and branches. The fruit is a flattened pod. It is 7.5 cm long and is green but becomes brown when ripe.

There are about 6 Cercis species. It is the state tree of Oklahoma. Also as Caesalpinaceae.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to North America. It grows in moist woods. It suits full sun or dappled shade. It is best in fertile soil. It should be deep and moist but well-drained. In Mexico it grows between 1,000-2,250 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 5-9. National Arboretum Canberra.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Britain, Canada (country/location of origin), Central America, Europe, Mexico, New Zealand, North America, South America, USA

How it is used for food

The flowers are used in salads. They are also fried. The unopened buds are pickled in vinegar and used as a caper substitute. The buds, flowers and young pods are sauteed in butter or fried into fritters.

Edible parts

Flowers, pods, fruit, buds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. It can also be grown from tip cuttings or root suckers.

Its other names

Local names

Curesma, Duraznillo, Palo de judas, Palo de rosa, Pata de cabra, Pata de vaca

Synonyms

Cercis canadensis L. var. typica M. Hopk.;