of New York 



97 



REDBUD 



Cercis canadensis, Linnaeus 



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

 attractive of our small trees. No tree has more striking 

 distinguishing characteristics. 



The leaves are simple, alternate, heart-shaped, 3 to 5 inches 

 long, pointed at apex, entire on margin. 



The flowers appear 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, IYj to 3 inches long, 

 about Yi of an inch wide, 

 contains 4 to 8 light- 

 brown flat seeds. 



The bark is thin, red- 

 dish-brown, peels off into 

 thin scales. The twigs are 

 slender, smooth, light- 

 brown; buds are small, 

 spherical, Yz 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 being widely planted for 

 ornamental purposes in southern New York, and was prob- 

 ably native in a few places south of the Hudson highlands. 

 Rich fertile lowlands and moist hillsides are its favorite home. 



It is difficult to tell at which season of the year the Redbud 

 is most beautiful. Its spring robe of brilliant red blossoms is 

 glorious, its summer dress is resplendent, its autumn garb of 

 yellow trimmed with purplish pods is truly beautiful, and its 

 winter appearance is most charming. 



REDBUD 

 One-fourth natural size. 

 Twig sections, enlarged. 



