Our front tree is loaded with flowers and the perfectly heart shaped leaves are starting to pop out. This Eastern Redbud tree, Cercis canadensis, is native to northern Florida up to parts of Canada. The flowers are edible and are deliciously sweet and peppery. We nibble on them by the handfuls. Considered an understory tree and approved as a street tree in our town it typically reaches only 20 feet in height. This hybrid variety features reddish leaves. Usually the leaves are green, and by the end of the summer the red leaves will have turned to green, but they are always a perfect heart shape. I have heard this tree called Spicewood, because sometimes twigs of this tree are used to season venison.
What a beautiful tree. I love driving down the street and seeing all of the trees in bloom. I would love to have one right outside my door.
ReplyDeleteI love this tree. It feels so old fashioned to me and that makes it more special.
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