104 



ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 51 



Redbud 



Redbud or Judas tree {Cercis canadensis) is a small, slow- 

 growing tree (Fig. 94) that may occasionally grow to a height 

 of 35 feet and have a branch spread of 20-30 feet. The trunk 

 seldom measures over 1 foot in diameter. Redbud is native to 

 Illinois except in the northeastern part of the state. It thrives 

 best in moist, rich soil and in partial shade and may be injured 

 by hot, dry weather. It has stout branches which usually form a 

 wide crow^n. Redbud is conspicuous in early spring because of 

 the brilliant rosy-red, pea-like, perfect flowers which form in 

 clusters on the twigs and small branches. Flowers appear before 

 or at the time the leaves are unfolding. Because of this flower- 

 ing habit redbud is used extensively in ornamental plantings. 



The glossy green leaves (Fig. 94 inset) are alternate, nearly 

 circular to heart-shaped, and 3-5 inches in diameter. Margins 

 are entire and each stem has a bulbous swelling at each end. The 

 leaves turn bright yellow in autumn. The fruit, which contains 

 many seeds, develops as a thin, oblong, flat pod that is 2-4 inches 

 long and has tapered ends. It is reddish during the summer, be- 

 coming brown in the fall, and may remain attached to the 



Fig. 94. — The 

 small, slow-growing 

 redbud is prized for 

 its brilliant rosy-red, 

 pea-like flowers, 

 which appear in ear- 

 ly spring before or 

 at the time the 

 heart-shaped leaves 

 (inset) unfold. 



