Eastern Redbuds Support Early Pollinators

The Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small (15 to 30 ft.) native understory tree found in open woodlands from New Jersey to northern Florida, and west to Michigan and south to Texas. Redbud blooms in early spring, and the pinkish-purple flowers remain colorful for a two- to three-week period. The flower clusters, which are borne along the stems, are rich in both nectar and pollen, thus providing a valuable food source for early bees at a time when food is scarce. Bees that visit these flowers include honey bees, bumble bees, mason bees, cuckoo bees, long-horned bees, mining bees, and sweat bees. Redbuds are also host plants for the larvae of several butterflies and moths.

The flowers bloom in March and April before the attractive heart-shaped leaves emerge. The leaves are often tinged with red when they first emerge, then turn yellow in the fall. Flat brown seed pods are borne in autumn and are eaten by squirrels and some birds. Because of its beauty in the spring and its relatively small size, redbud makes an attractive landscape tree. There are both upright and weeping forms, and a number of cultivars with varying foliage color.

Redbuds are fairly easy to grow and are adaptable to soil types and pH levels. However, they prefer moist, well-drained soil with an alkaline pH (such as limestone soils). They do not do well in poorly drained or sandy soils.  Part sun is best with protection from the hottest sun of the day. Although they are somewhat tolerant of dry soils, drought stress can result in problems, so irrigating during summer dry spells is recommended. Mulching also helps to maintain soil coolness and moisture.

Redbud diseases include anthracnose, verticillium wilt, and, most seriously, Botryosphaeria canker. The latter disease can be a problem, especially when the trees are stressed by drought. Canker can result in twig and stem lesions and the death of the tree. Certain insects, such as borers, scale, leaf rollers, and leafhoppers, can also damage trees. Trees situated in proper sites are best able to withstand disease and pests. Even so, redbuds tend to be a relatively short-lived tree, in the range of 20 to 75 years. Despite these issues, the redbud is one of our most beautiful native trees and well worth consideration as an addition to the home landscape!