Redbud is sometimes called a “Judas tree,” so named because it was on a redbud that Judas hung himself after betraying Jesus. Redbud’s heart shaped leaves are said to remind us of the Law of Love. A cold infusion of the roots and inner bark can be used to treat various chest complaints including whooping cough and congestion. The flowers are edible by humans and wildlife, and make a colorful, vitamin C-rich addition to Spring salads.Īdding to its favorable features, this tree also has a history of being used by Native Americans for its healing properties. A tea made from the inner bark is highly astringent and can be used in the treatment of fevers, diarrhea and dysentery and is even cited as a folk remedy for leukemia. It can provide nesting sites, nesting material and seeds for birds, and can provide shelter for other mammals. The early blossoms attract nectar-seeking wildlife, including bees, hummingbirds, and several species of butterflies. While it prefers moist sandy soil or loam (a fertile soil of clay and sand containing humus) and partial sun, it has been found to be adaptable to many conditions, including Piedmont clay, drought and full sun. It is often found in ravines or along woodland streams where it can find a bit of dappled sunshine. This native species grows well in North Carolina, and is usually found as an understory tree in mixed forests either scattered solo or in small grouped populations. The tree’s beauty is accentuated by a trunk that often divides close to the ground (called a multi-stemmed redbud) and unique branching patterns lifting up and spreading into a flat topped crown. Flowers are followed by heart shaped leaves and then by dangling seed pods. Blooming from March to May, it is one of the first trees to flower, even before its leaf growth has begun for the season because the flowers emerge directly from the trunk and branches. Suggested Use: Wildlife food/shelter, ornamental and healing properties Why We Love RedbudĮastern redbud, with its glorious pink to reddish purple flowers, is one of the first and most beautiful signs of Spring in North Carolina. Tolerates: Variety of soils PH 7.5 or above Maintenance: Pruning helps develop a strong structure Native Range: Eastern North America from Southern Ontario, Canada to Northern Florida Through the Grateful Trees and Bees Meet Your North Carolina Native Trees blog series, we’ll introduce you to the native trees we consider our friends.* Redbud is sometimes called a “Judas tree,” so named because it was on a redbud that Judas hung himself after betraying Jesus.
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