The redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small shade tree. The long, slender limbs of the redbud stretch outward from the trunk, allowing the handsome heart-shaped leaves to block a good bit of the sun. Since the redbud stays small, it's a good tree to plant around buildings; you needn't worry about it getting too big and potentially hazardous. In the wild, redbuds occur as understory trees. As a result, they're shade tolerant and don't need full sun to thrive.
Due to their prolific seed production, redbuds spring up all over the arboretum. Ten individual trees of this species have been part of the arboretum collection. Currently we have eight and all have been volunteers. Since these trees started growing without authorization, it is impossible to say how old they are. The pictures below are from a tree that is at least a decade old, probably older.
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| This redbud tree (Cercis canadensis) grows along a major thoroughfare in the arboretum, providing good afternoon shade during summer time. |
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| Mickle Hall stands to the east of this tree. |
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| The redbud tree has slender branches and big leaves, blocking plenty of light. |
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| Twigs and branchlet: underside of the heart-shaped leaves |
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| The leaves of the redbud are a dark green in the summer. |
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| The leguminous fruits of Cercis canadensis remain on the tree, maturing throughout the summer. They block additional sun. |
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| Bark detail of mature Cercis canadensis |
Flowers of the arboretum's redbuds can be seen here.
For more information about this species consult the following:
United States Department of Agriculture
Louisiana Plant Identification and Interactive Virtual Tours (LSU AgCenter)
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
