If you’ve ever worked in a plant nursery at this time of year, you’ve certainly heard this inquiry from customers looking for something unique, “What is that little tree with the pink-purple blooms that’s flowering right now along the edge of the woods?” It’s the Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), also known as the Judas Tree, a spectacular species for inclusion in garden landscapes, along forest edges, or as part of a vegetated riparian buffer. In coming weeks, the showy blossoms, which pollinators adore, will give way to an abundance of handsome heart-shaped leaves. The northern edge of the native range for this member of the legume (pea) family happens to include the Lower Susquehanna River Watershed, so it does quite well here. Because the Eastern Redbud only grows to a height of twenty to thirty feet, it can be planted near homes and other buildings. It would make a great choice for your Arbor Day project this Friday, April 29.
