Description
Redbuds are known for their brilliant, showy pink flowers in early spring, and their attractive heart-shaped leaves. It’s often found in the wild as a multi-trunked understory tree, but it makes for a wonderful specimen tree in a suburban setting. It tolerates deer and clay soil, but not salt, so make sure it’s not too close to the street. The buds and seed pods have a history of being pickled or fried to make a fritter, and it’s slightly acidic flowers can be used to add color to salads. Redbud has good wildlife value, as it’s very popular with bees in early spring, and it acts as the host to both the Henry’s Elfin Butterfly, and the Io Moth (pictured above).
