Eastern Red bud
By. Jaylen Curry
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(“Eastern Redbud”)
(“Redbud tree | Cercis canadensis”)
The scientific name of this tree is the Cercis canadensis
The scientific name of this tree is the Cercis canadensis
How to Identify the eastern red-bud:
Leaves - Pink flowers that are later replaced with simple, broad heart shaped green leaves
Bark - Rigid and scaly
The twigs of the Eastern Red-bud are zig-zag shaped
What are the human uses of the tree?
(Polomski et al.)
The Native Americans were the first to use the Eastern red bud for multiple purposes. The Tribes that used the Eastern red bud the most includes the Alabama, Cherokee, Delaware, Kiowa, and Oklahoma. The USDA Plants Database states "The bark on the tree could be ground down into a fine powder and used in tea to treat whooping cough. Whooping cough is a contagious bacterial disease caused by Bordetella pertussis a bacteria" (Immel). They would also use the tea as a symptom reliever. This was like modern day medication."(Immel) Another way humans used the tree was during winter the trees were used for firewood. This was because it was one of the first plants to bloom in the spring, so they could collect wood because the trees are already done growing by winter. Children also to the tribe and to present today love eating the blossoms of the tree. Having a sweet, and crisp taste.
What are the environmental benefits?
(“Texas redbuds, a first sign of spring in San Antonio.”)
The environmental benefits of the eastern redbud traits are very commendable. The True Value of Red-bud Trees Johnson states,"The greatest virtue of this tree is the abundant and important source of pollen and nectar this plant produces' ' (Johnson). With having great attributes this tree near native flowering trees will help everything near and far survive. "By far the biggest environmental benefit the plant has is the food produced for pollinating insects like the butterfly and honeybee"(Johnson). With such a bright color the tree attracts many different pollinators. The Leafs on the Eastern red-bud are simple compounds.This not only benefits the Eastern Red-bud but the whole environment also.
Is this tree Endangered or at risk?
(McCollom)
No, the Easter Red-bud is not endangered at all. The tree is very abundant with how it grows and develops. However this tree is very open to many disease. Pros and Cons of Redbud Trees and How They Affect Guttering System states, "Such as canker disease, causing branch die back, and verticillium wilt, leading to wilting and discoloration of leaves. Along with improper watering can result in the tree's roots rotting and making the tree health overall low" (Kamwila). "The Eastern Red-bud only lives on average 20 years"(Kamwila), and that is without the many disease they could get, but they make up for it by how much they populate through out the year.
How long does it grown and reproduce?
(“Cercis canadensis #3 (Eastern Redbud)”)
Seeds from the blossoms are knocked lose by insects, wind, rain, and other natural factors causing them to fall to the ground. For the seeds to be forced down a whole lot faster they ease up in the winter making them fall just by a little shake of a limb. When hitting the ground and being planted the seed stays dormant for about a year or two. Then by the next spring they start their developing process. Southern Research Station states, "Eastern Red-Bud's have a moderate growth rate that is when the conditions are favorable. In the first five to six years it can hit anywhere between seven to ten feet high"(“Cercis canadensis L”). "Later maxing out at 20-30 feet high at the ages of 16-20 years"(“Cercis canadensis L”).
What is the history of the eastern red-bud tree?
(Everett)
This tree has a lot of history mainly being known to heal and to craft. Tree Candidate.” Arbor Day Foundation states, "Early folk healers used and believed the bark to treat common maladies and sometimes even leukemia. Native Americans chose the wood of the Eastern red-bud for their bows. Also being seen as the sheer springtime beauty of the American spirit"(“Redbud—National Tree Candidate”). Discovered in eastern woodlands from New Jersey going down the east coast over time. In many different regions this tree is being used to tell when spring is upon because of its blooming nature in the spring, And when fall hits it dies and does not come back until next spring.
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