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REDBUD (Cercis canadensis L.) 



THE 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, except in the mountains, though it is more 

 abundant in the middle district. It ordinarily at- 

 tains a height of 25 to 50 feet and a diameter of 



REDBUD 

 Leaf, one-fifth natural size. Twig, two-thirds natural size. 



6 to 12 inches. Its stout branches usually form 

 a wide flat head. 



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 conspicuous, bright purplish red, pea-shaped 

 flowers are in clusters along the twigs and small 

 branches and appear before or with the leaves in 

 early spring. With the redbud in its 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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