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ST XI 



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REDBUD 



(Cercis canadensis L.) 

 TTHE redbud, sometimes called Judas-tree from its 

 oriental relative of that name, is a small tree 

 occurring under taller trees or on the borders of 

 fields on hillsides, and in valleys throughout the 

 State. It ordinarily attains a height of 25 to 50 feet 

 and a diameter of six to twelve inches. Its stout 

 branches usually form a wide flat head. 



REDBUD 



Leaf, one-flfth natural size. 



Twig, two-thirds natural size. 



The bark is bright red-brown, the long narrow 

 plates separating into thin scales. 



The leaves are alternate, heart-shaped, entire, 3 to 

 5 inches long and wide, glossy green turning in 

 autumn to a bright clear yellow. 



The con.spicuous, bright purplish red, pea-.shaped 

 flowers are in numerous clusters along the twigs and 

 small branches and appear before or with the leaves 

 in early spring. With the redbud in it.'? full glory, 

 a drive through the country is likely to be one long 

 remembered. 



The fruit is an oblong, flattened, many-seeded pod, 

 2 to 4 inches long, reddish during the summer, and 

 often hanging on the tree most of the winter. 



The wood is heavy, hard, not strong, rich dark 

 brown in color, and of little commercial importance. 

 The redbud is cultivated as an ornamental tree and 

 for that purpose might be planted more generally in 

 this State. 



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