The eastern redbud, Cercis canadensis, is badly named, common as well as Latin. It is certainly eastern, found native in the south-eastern quarter of the United States, yet canadensis refers to Canada, where this small tree is not even remotely native, or even viable. I haven’t a clue as to why this small tree has been so named. My wife jokes that a man must have given it its common name, since the buds are hardly red. Regardless what you call it, this time of year the eastern redbud is a stunning little tree. Being the state tree of Oklahoma, you will find it planted just about everywhere in the Sooner state, except out in far-western Oklahoma, where there is not enough rainfall. The specimen shown here is Cercis canadensis ssp. texensis ‘Oklahoma,’ and is one of the newest additions to our little “park.” Boasting a deeper pink/purple bloom than seedling redbuds, ‘Oklahoma’ is showing up more and more in landscapes, for obvious reasons.
Taxonomically, the eastern redbud is a legume, making it more closely related to the green bean and peanut than to the oaks or maples. The family tie can be seen in that the seed pods, when still green resemble miniature snow peas. The flower buds of the eastern redbud, unlike any other plant I can think of, are borne in clusters on older wood all up and down a stem. This feature makes even our little specimen quite showy. My wife took these pictures a little over a week ago, but this redbud, and all the others around are still in full swing. Later, when the blossoms fade and seed pods begin to form, large heart-shaped leaves will emerge, dark green and polished. If you don’t have one of these in your landscape, you either live in an apartment, or you’re not an Oklahoman.
If you live in these climes, it’s time to be thinking about getting a garden started. Get outside this weekend and enjoy God’s handiwork, and have a great Lord’s Day.
