82 



Common Trees 



REDBUD 



Cercis canadensis, Linnaeus 



THE Redbud, also called Judas Tree, is one of the most 

 attractive of our small trees. No native tree has more 

 striking distinguishing characteristics. 



The leaves are simple, alternate, heart-shaped, 

 inches long, point«J at apex, entire on margin. 



The flowers a^^pear be- 

 fore the leaves, resemble 

 sweet peas, are brilliant 

 red, occur in numerous 

 clusters of 4 to 8 along 

 twigs. 



The fruit is a small 

 rose-colored to light- 

 brown, short-stalked 

 thin, flat pod, 2J^ to 3 



3 to 5 



REDBUD 

 One-fourth natural siie. 

 Twig sections, enlarged. 



inches long, about >4 of 

 an inch wide, contains 4 

 to 8 light-brown flat 

 seeds. 



The bark is thin, red- 

 dish-b r o w n, peels off^ 

 into thin scales. The 

 twigs are slender, smooth, 

 light-brown, covered with 

 numerous small breathing 

 pores. The buds are small, 

 spherical }i of an inch 



across, dark purplish-red, usually occur one above another 

 and often are grouped in small clusters at base of lateral 

 branches. 



The wood is heavy, hard, dark reddish-brown with light 

 sapwood. It is of no commercial importance. 



The Redbud is found from Ontario to Minnesota, south 

 to Florida and Arkansas. It is found locally throughout 

 Ohio, except the northeastern part of the State. In south- 

 western Ohio it is abundant. Rich fertile lowlands and 

 moist hillsides are its favorite home. 



It is difficult to tell at which season of the year the Red- 

 bud is most beautiful. Its spring robe of brilliant red blos- 

 soms is glorious, its summer dress is resplendent, its autumn 

 garb of yellow trimmed with purplish pods is truly beau- 

 tiful, and its winter appearance is most charming. 



